Making decisions can be difficult – especially when you are deciding on behalf of someone else. This is certainly true when family members and loved ones have to make decisions about sensitive topics for their aging parents. Various family dynamics, personalities, emotions, and other factors can bring about disagreement and conflict. Even if you all get along well, you should expect to face some challenging conversations. When it comes to difficult family decisions regarding end-of-life planning, medical treatments, etc., you may not be aware that eldercare mediators can be extremely helpful.
What is Eldercare Mediation?
Eldercare mediators serve as an impartial, unbiased facilitator for a family at an impasse in making a decision. A family must voluntarily elect to engage in this process and it is often recommended by lawyers and judges for those at a stalemate. Many mediators emphasize that their job is to create a safe and comfortable framework that will achieve consensus for the family. In many cases, the aging loved one participates directly in the process. Most eldercare mediators are attorneys, social workers, counselors, or other professionals who are trained in mediation and conflict resolution.
Eldercare mediators are experts in:
- Guardianship law and practice
- Disability issues
- Red flags for elder abuse
- Mental and physical effects of aging, disabilities, and accommodation in mediation
What are Common Issues that Require Mediation?
Every family’s needs are different, but issues that are often discussed include:
- Inheritance, Estate, and Trust matters
- Residence options
- End of Life decision-making
- Medical decisions
- Family communication
- Caregiver burnout
- Assistance to avoid court guardianships
- Driving and transportation
- Finances and bill paying
- Personal property distribution
- Planning and anticipating issues before crises develop
How to Find an Eldercare Mediator
To locate an elder mediator, start by contacting your area agency on aging (click here) which may be able to refer you to local resources, or search online at mediate.com. Another good option is the National Association for Community Mediation, which can help you search for free or low-cost community-based mediation programs in your area.
Now that you are more familiar with eldercare mediators – discuss this option with your family and loved ones. If you are having difficulty with any of the common issues listed above and can’t seem to get to a final decision – find a local mediator and discuss it them. You may not need a full mediation session but could learn some helpful tips and techniques. You won’t know until you try!
