Family Coordination
Keeping the family organized
Most family friction comes from missing information, not bad intent. A simple shared system helps.
One source of truth
Pick one place — a binder, a shared note, or a simple document — where everyone goes for current information. Update it after every appointment.
What to keep in it
- Current medications, doses, and what each one is for.
- All doctors and specialists with phone numbers.
- Insurance and Medicare/Medicaid IDs.
- Advance directives, Power of Attorney, and where the originals live.
- Recent appointment notes and follow-ups.
- Daily routine basics (wake time, meals, naps, what helps with mood).
- What to do in common situations (sundowning, refusal to bathe, falls).
A simple family rhythm
- One point person per appointment, who sends a short recap to the group.
- A short weekly check-in (15 minutes is enough).
- Decisions get written down with the date — not just discussed.
Reduce decision fatigue
Decide things in advance when you can: who handles meds, who handles finances, who handles transportation, who is the emergency contact. This is far easier when the person with dementia is having a good day, not in a crisis.
See also: Caregiver Support.
Start with a clear path
Practical Texas dementia, caregiver, and veteran care resources — in one place.