Family Dynamics:
Working with families
Spring 2014
By: Jennifer Moore RN. MA, Chicago Commons
Member of IACCPHP
Funds for this program were made available through an
Illinois Department on Aging Educational Grant
Objectives

Describe how families differ and what impact differences may have on the
delivery of home services

Describe the impact of changing family structures and roles on family life
and the delivery of home services

Recognize the affect aging has on family relationships

Recognize the impact of culture on family dynamics

Recognize your personal beliefs and values related to family living patterns

Describe ways to promote positive outcomes by promoting client / family /
homecare aide interaction and maintain family confidentiality.
Definition : Merriam – Webster
(2014)
Family
 A group of people related to each other
 A group of individuals living under one roof and
usually under one head
 A group of persons of common ancestry
 A group of people united by certain convictions
or common affiliations: fellowship
 The descendants or line of a particular individual
especially of some outstanding female
 A unit of a crime syndicate (as the Mafia)
operating within a geographic area
Definition: Merriam – Webster
(2014)
Dynamics
 A branch of mechanics that deal with
forces and their relation primarily to the
motion but sometimes also to the
equilibrium of bodies
 A pattern or process of change, growth,
or activity
 Variation and contrast in force or
intensity
Definition: Mosby Medical
(2011)
Family Dynamics:

The forces at work within a family that
produce particular behaviors or
symptoms.
Family Types
Traditional
Non Traditional

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

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Single Parent
Extended Family
(multigenerational )
Childless
Grandparent
LGBT
Cultural Diversity
Culture: The behaviors and beliefs characteristics of a
particular social, ethnic, or age group. (Random House
Dictionary)
Culture: A system of learned behaviors shared by and
transmitted among members of a group. (sociology guide
/culture /anthropology)
Cultural Diversity: The cultural variety and cultural
differences that exist in the world, a society or an
institution. The inclusion of diverse people in a group.
(dictionary.com)
Values
Value: A personal belief about the worth of
a given idea or behavior (Mosby Medical 2011)
Value System: The acceptable mode of
conduct and the set of norms, goals, and
values binding any social group. (Mosby Medical 2011)
Collaboration of Care
Integrate the family dynamics into service
delivery
 Identify key family member or care
partner

Establish Key Expectations

Agency
Provider
Case Coordination Unit

Family

Client
Privacy & Confidentiality

Client

Family

Self
Clients Right

Right to self determination

Treated with dignity and respect

Right to Privacy
Working with Challenging Families
Continuum of Care
Questions ?