When Mom needs a plan and the family lives in four states
A fall, a diagnosis, or a hard conversation about driving, and suddenly siblings in different cities have to make big decisions together, often over group text. A Family Care Plan session brings everyone onto one secure virtual call with a neutral facilitator and ends with a written plan: who does what, who pays for what, and when you’ll check in again. I’m Sara Khan, and I work with families anywhere in the U.S.
Book a Free 15-Minute Consultation Call (703) 727-8839Free and confidential · Virtual sessions anywhere in the U.S. or overseas · In person in Northern Virginia
Reviewed by Sara M. Khan, JD, Principal Mediator · Updated October 2026
What families decide in a Family Care Plan
Your parent’s wishes stay at the center. Common topics:
Where Mom or Dad will live
Staying home with help, moving closer to one sibling, or assisted living.
Who does what
Caregiving roles, appointments, bills, and paperwork, divided fairly and in writing.
Paying for care
How costs are shared, and how an in-person caregiver’s time is recognized.
Communication
How updates are shared, who decides what, and how the family handles disagreements.
Driving, safety & health decisions
Planning for hard conversations, and when to involve doctors or care managers.
Next steps
Who will talk to an elder law attorney, care manager, or financial advisor, and by when.
One conversation instead of a hundred texts
Distance makes caregiving conflict worse. The sibling who lives closest often carries the most, while others feel shut out of decisions. Old family roles resurface. A neutral facilitator keeps the conversation fair, gives everyone a voice, including your parent when they wish to take part, and moves the family toward decisions.
The result is a written Family Care Plan everyone receives after the session. It isn’t a legal document, so families in any state can use it, and it gives your elder law attorney, care manager, or financial advisor a clear starting point.
I’m a mediator, not a lawyer or medical professional. I’ll point you to the right professionals for legal documents such as powers of attorney or guardianship.
From first call to a written agreement
Free consultation
A 15-minute call with whoever is organizing, to see whether a Family Care Plan session fits.
Private intake
A short confidential call with each participating family member so every perspective is heard before the session.
Facilitated sessions
Up to two virtual sessions (or hybrid, with some family in the room in Northern Virginia) to work through each decision.
Written plan
A Family Care Plan listing each decision, its owner, and the date you’ll revisit it.
Elder care pricing
Fees cover the whole family, not each person, and families usually share them.
- Family Care Plan — $2,400. Up to 9 hours: intake calls with each family member, up to two facilitated sessions, and a written plan everyone can follow.
- Foundational Family Care Conversation — $950. Up to 3.5 hours: intake with up to three family members, one 2-hour facilitated meeting, and a written summary.
Why work with Sara
I’ve helped families work through care decisions for an aging parent, and I know how quickly distance and old roles can turn a practical question into a family rift.
In mediation I stay neutral: I don’t take sides, and I don’t tell either of you what to do. My job is to make sure every voice is heard and that everyone leaves knowing exactly what was decided.
- J.D., University of the District of Columbia David A. Clarke School of Law; George Mason University alum
- Close to two decades in federal consulting, legal operations, and organizational strategy
- Mediation training: 40-hour basic mediation, 24-hour family mediation, and a 4-hour Virginia Judicial System orientation
- Neutral by design: I don’t practice law, give legal advice, or represent either side
Family Care Plan questions
Can family members join from different states?
Yes. Sessions are held virtually, so siblings, parents, and spouses can join from anywhere. Some families have a few people together in one room and the rest virtually.
Should our parent be part of the session?
Often, yes, if they want to and are able. We can include them for all or part of the session, and their wishes are always central to the plan.
Is the Family Care Plan a legal document?
No. It’s a written record of your family’s decisions and responsibilities. If you need legal documents such as a power of attorney, the plan helps you go to an attorney prepared.
What if one sibling won’t participate?
We can still help the rest of the family plan, and the intake call is a low-pressure way for a reluctant sibling to be heard first.
How quickly can we get started?
Usually within a week or two. If there’s an urgent hospital discharge or move, tell me during the consultation and I’ll do my best to schedule quickly.
More answers on the full FAQ page.
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