Sharing the diagnosis

Holding a family meeting

Designate meetings with your family to discuss the diagnosis, what to expect as the disease progresses and understand expectations for each member about the responsibilities of caregiving.

At these meetings, you can designate what role, if any, a family member will have and be share future plans. As emotions can be high during this time, it may help to have a neutral, third-party facilitator assist in leading the meeting, such as a clergy leader, counselor or social worker.