FAMILIES affected by the diagnosis of a loved one with dementia are being encouraged to sit down and work out the best way forward, using a method previously designed to help at-risk children.

Experts say Family Group Conferencing (FGC) could help relatives work out how to share the care of an older relative and assist them to get the support they need, while also saving money for councils. A conference on the approach today in Edinburgh will hear that it has already been successful in Midlothian, is now being offered in Dumfries and Galloway, and is being examined by other councils.

FGC was developed to bring together all those involved in the life of a child in trouble or at risk, to find the best way of supporting them. However it is thought to have great potential for helping the extended families of dementia sufferers, especially if used to plan ahead when the disease is in its early stages.

A diagnosis of dementia can often cause tension in families, as it brings about changes and demands, leaving some members feeling they are carrying the bulk of caring duties.

There can also be anxiety and stress about what lies ahead for a dementia sufferer as their condition develops.

The idea is that during a conference facilitated by an expert, families can agree between them who can contribute and how much.

Lorraine McKillop and Mary Macleod have developed the approach with their social enterprise Kalm Solutions, which can facilitate meetings anywhere in the country. Ms McKillop says the councils which are supportive of the approach value it because it is providing savings. Families tend not to make unrealistic demands, while councils don't end up spending money on unsuitable services which aren't giving people what they really need," she said.

"Sometimes there have been family feuds and people not speaking to each other. But these meetings are blame-free and focused on the future. Everyone is really busy and it is not about making unrealistic demands on families."

Today's event, hosted by Edinburgh City Council and Children 1st, which will be addressed by minister for children Aileen Campbell, will also look at the use of FGC in children's services.

Donny Scott, service manager for family and community support at Edinburgh City Council said: "FGC has a whole range of benefits, including allowing families to make their own plan to provide safe and good quality care."

He said the system is not yet use for dementia sufferers in Edinburgh but in some cases it had helped prevent children being taken into care.