Family Care Plan Agreement: A Simple Guide for Families
Make a clear, shared plan for caregiving so everyone knows what to do and how to help.
Who this guide is for
Aging adults who want a say in their care
Adult children and relatives who want to help
Family friends or professionals supporting the care
What you’ll get
A step-by-step way to run a family meeting
A simple care plan agreement template you can use
Tips to avoid conflict and keep everyone on the same page
Quick start (in 6 steps)
Choose a Care Coordinator (the organizer and main contact).
Invite everyone involved (family, close friends, and any professionals).
Hold a meeting with a clear agenda and time limit.
Agree on tasks, schedules, and who does what.
Write down commitments and ask people to sign.
Review the plan every 60–90 days and adjust as needed.
Step-by-step: How to organize a care planning meeting
Choose the Care Coordinator
Pick someone trusted and organized (family, friend, or professional).
Make sure all family members agree to work with the coordinator.
Invite all key participants
Include every adult child and any involved relatives or friends.
Invite the primary care recipient (the aging adult) as the key decision-maker.
If using outside help (caregiver, home health agency, or social worker), let the family know and invite them when useful.
Set the tone and goals
Goal: a clear, respectful plan that supports the person receiving care.
Ask each person to share concerns, preferences, and limits.
Encourage ideas. Do not dictate. Listen first.
Use a neutral facilitator if needed
Family tensions are common (fear, money worries, burnout).
A mediator, social worker, or faith/community leader can keep things calm.
Ask for everyone’s consent before bringing in a mediator.
Discuss sensitive topics openly
Money, time, and roles can create misunderstandings.
Example: A daughter moves in to help after a stroke and suggests a reverse mortgage to pay for home care. Her brother, worried about finances, resists and becomes suspicious. With open communication, clear goals, and shared information, the family can align on the best option for their parents.
End with written commitments
Confirm who will do what and when (transportation, meals, bills, appointments, respite, legal tasks).
Capture commitments in a written care agreement. Ask people to sign if comfortable.
Schedule the first review date.
Where to hold the meeting
Choose a calm, accessible place (home, community center, library room, or video call).
Use family gatherings (birthdays, anniversaries) as a chance to meet.
Pick a date and time when everyone can focus (60–90 minutes works well).
Where to hold the meeting
Introductions and purpose (5 min)
The aging adult’s wishes and goals (10 min)
Current needs and challenges (medical, daily living, safety) (10 min)
Roles and responsibilities (transportation, meals, medications, finances, legal) (20 min)
Schedule and backup coverage (10 min)
Budget and resources (benefits, insurance, respite, in-home care) (10 min)
Communication plan (group text, shared calendar, monthly check-in) (5 min)
Review date, next steps, and signatures (10 min)
Simple Family Care Plan Agreement template
Copy and paste, then fill in your details.
Title: Family Care Plan Agreement
Care Recipient
Name:
Address:
Primary goals and preferences (in your words):
Care Coordinator
Name and contact:
Backup contact:
Care Team and Roles
Name, relationship, phone/email
Tasks (transportation, meals, errands, meds, appointments, finances, respite, home safety)
Schedule
Weekly calendar (who does what on which days/times)
Backup coverage plan
Health and Safety
Doctors, pharmacy, medications list
Mobility and safety needs (falls, home modifications, equipment)
Emergency contacts and plan
Finances and Legal
How costs will be handled (budget, reimbursements, shared expenses)
Key documents: Power of Attorney, Advance Directive, Will, POLST/MOLST (where they are stored)
Access rules (who can view/share medical or financial info)
Communication Plan
Preferred method: phone, group text, email, shared app
How updates and changes are shared
Monthly check-in date/time
Outside Providers
Home care agency or caregiver: contact and hours
Community support (meals, transportation services)
Notes about coordination with non-family caregivers
Review and Updates
Review date (every 60–90 days)
Who will update the plan
Signatures (optional but recommended)
Care Recipient (if able and willing)
Care Coordinator
Care Team Members (list names, dates, signatures)
Commitment note: I agree to the responsibilities above and will communicate if I need to change them.
Tips to reduce conflict and build trust
Keep the care recipient in charge of decision-making whenever possible.
Be transparent about money and time limits.
Share written notes after the meeting so no one is surprised later.
If someone cannot sign, ask them to approve the plan by email or text.
Follow-up and maintenance
Share the final plan with everyone (PDF or printed copies).
Post key tasks on a shared calendar (Google Calendar or caregiving app).
Set reminder alerts for appointments, medication refills, and respite days.
Revisit the plan when health or finances change.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a family care plan agreement a legal contract?
Usually no. It is a written record of commitments. It helps accountability and reduces confusion. For paid caregiving by a family member, ask an elder law attorney about a formal caregiver contract.
What if someone stops helping?
Show the written commitments. Ask what has changed and adjust the plan. Consider redistributing tasks or bringing in outside help.
Do we need a mediator?
If there is tension or major disagreement, a neutral facilitator can help you reach agreement faster and with less stress.
What if the caregiver is not a family member?
Be upfront about roles. Share the plan with the paid caregiver or agency so everyone coordinates well.
How often should we review the plan?
Every 60–90 days, or sooner if health, safety, or finances change.
