Displaying items by tag: eldercare mediator

​Navigating important healthcare, financial, and end-of-life planning with an aging family member can be a difficult and heartbreaking process. Even as you’re trying to safeguard your loved one’s dignity, privacy, and independence, the emotional weight of the situation can sometimes lead to contentious interaction between an elderly parent and their adult children. Should you recognize the bond between family members becoming strained—and better still, to prevent even getting to that point—consider working with an eldercare mediator to guide your family through decision making with an aging family member.

What is an eldercare mediator?

An eldercare mediator is a trained professional who acts as a confidential resource and impartial facilitator for families as they navigate aging-related healthcare, lifestyle, and financial decisions. Unlike a judge or arbitrator, eldercare mediators do not make decisions for you or your loved one; instead, they family members navigate options and reach agreement on the best path forward for their loved one’s care. Eldercare mediators also focus on preserving the bond between family members. 

What roles does an eldercare mediator have when working with families?

• Mediators Act as Neutral Party: They do not take sides or advocate for one specific family member.
• Mediators Build a Communication Bridge: They help lower the emotional "temperature" so everyone can be heard.
• Mediators Focus on Problem Solving: They assist families in finding practical, mutually agreeable solutions.
• Mediators Empower Family Members: They often ensure the senior's own voice and wishes are central to the discussion. 

What are the benefits of using an eldercare mediator?

• Privacy:  Mediation sessions are confidential, unlike public court proceedings.
• Cost-Effective: Mediation is often much less expensive than hiring separate attorneys for a legal battle.
• Efficiency: Issues brought to mediation can often be resolved in a few weekly sessions rather than months in legal proceedings.
• Relationship Preservation: Mediators focus on collaboration, which helps keep the family intact. 

What types of decisions can an eldercare mediator assist with?

Families often turn to a mediator when they are at an impasse regarding: 

• Living Situations: Mediators identify the benefits and drawbacks pertaining to whether or not (and if it is feasible for) an aging family member should move to assisted living or stay at home.
• Caregiver Roles and Obligations: Mediators allocate daily care duties among adult siblings in consideration of all relevant factors.
• Financial Decisions: Mediators manage the elder's assets, resources for paying for care, and can address inheritance disputes.
• Safety Concerns: Mediators examine the variable impacting an elder’s ability to safely live independently including sensitive topics such as living alone, driving, and self-care.
• Legal & Medical Options: Mediators help determine the individuals who can best serve as a medical proxy or financial power of attorney. 

What type of training do eldercare mediators have?

Many eldercare mediators have backgrounds law (some may have been or are attorneys), social workers, or geriatric care managers who have taken specialized conflict resolution training. 

How do I find an eldercare mediator?

A good place to start is the Academy of Professional Family Mediators and the National Care Planning Council.

Everbrook Senior Living: Supporting Families with Aging-Related Care Options

At the heart of the work we do for the families we serve is compassionate understanding for the challenges inherent in choosing aging-related care for a loved one. The Everbrook communities are intentionally designed to address the needs of older adults from the active Golden Years through assisted living and memory care. Our exceptional staff can help facilitate honest conversations between family members faced with making decisions about care for aging parents. Our first and utmost concern is that all involved have a voice in finding the best fit for their loved one’s social-emotional, spiritual, medical, and financial needs.

Contact us to learn more about how we can assist with the conversation and decision making between aging parents and adult children. 

Additional Resources:

Eldercare Mediation

AARP’s Guide to Choosing an Eldercare Mediator

Legal Guidance for Eldercare Mediation Services and Resolving Family Conflicts