Elder mediation is a specialized form of mediation that brings an elder person, their family and other significant people together to have conversation and make plans around changing family/life dynamics that occur as loved ones age and require different levels of assistance and care.
Co-mediators guide participants through a process in which all participants’ voices are heard and considered as a plan for future interaction and care is developed. For example, topics such as housing, independence, transportation, health and financial decision making, and social and family connection are commonly discussed in such a mediation session.
Another situation in which elder mediation is in response to (or prevent escalation in) interpersonal conflict within a senior living facility. In such a situation, mediation would allow a private space for residents to have a confidential conversation in the presence of two neutral mediators allowing each participant to talk about what is important to each of them and what concerns them about their situation. Honoring self-determination, mediation offers an opportunity for participants to develop a customized plan that addresses the situation in a way that makes sense to them. MCRC offers elder mediation as a part of our family mediation services. MCRC volunteers and staff are provided training specifically tailored to fit the needs of elderly participants. As with all forms of mediation, the process is voluntary, nonjudgmental and confidential. To learn more about MCRC’s approach, review About Us or give us a call at 443-518-7693. We’re always happy to speak with you.
Mediate.com several interesting articles you can review for additional information about elder mediation: “For Senior Caregivers, Mediation is Most Often a Must”: https://www.mediate.com/articles/Fritsch1.cfm, “Mediation: The Savvy Choice”: https://www.mediate.com/articles/EllisMbl20141021.cfm, and “Oh, Brother! With Parents Aging, Squabbling Siblings Turn to Elder Mediation”: https://www.aarp.org/relationships/family/info-09-2010/elder_mediation.html
