Date of Award

5-8-2002

Document Type

Open Access Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Arts in Leadership (MAL)

Department

Leadership

Abstract

The aging of the population is poised to challenge our current system of medical, economic and social supports. It will also test the limits of our national compassion. Professionals working in the field of aging are preparing for the demographic bulge and are seeking cost-effective interventions to help elders and their families develop cooperative caregiving and decision-making skills. Caregivers are often at the center of the family system trying to deal with a situation they don't want and don't understand.

One intervention common during health transitions is the family meeting. This application project describes the context of caregiving and healthcare today and outlines a three-stage format for the effective family meeting, Already considered the "family expert" on the healthcare team, the coordination of the family meeting gives the gerontological social worker a leadership role in the medical setting and contributes to enhanced family/team coordination. Encouraging the use of the family meeting among geriatric professionals will highlight the value of this benchmark of high-quality geriatric care.

Identifier

SC 11.MAL.2002.Ringham.K

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