Cyndy Rochford is specially trained and certified in elder care conflict resolution. She brings compassionate guidance to your mediation to achieve a constructive, civil, meaningful, and acceptable agreement.
What is Elder Care Mediation?
Elder care mediation is a supportive facilitative process (not a legal process) that provides a peaceful forum for families, health professionals, and/or medical care service providers to work together to create a thoughtful plan for the elder person. The confidential problem solving process allows the parties to share decision-making while creating workable and acceptable solutions to practical challenges and difficult disputes.
Families find elder care mediation appropriate and helpful in many situations including the following:
- An elderly parent or relative will not accept services because he/she doesn’t want “strangers” in the house
- Adult children disagree on whether the family home should be kept or sold
- Adult children of an elderly parent disagree on whether their parent should be cared for at home or in a skilled nursing facility
- One adult family member has Power of Attorney and the other siblings or family members disagree with the decisions being made
- The primary caregiver is resentful because other family members live out of town and are not able to consistently help with the elder’s care
- Family members disagree on whether it is appropriate for the elder to continue driving
How does Elder Care Mediation Work?
Elder care mediation works similarly to family mediation—a trained mediator guides family members to create a workable and acceptable solution to their conflict. Private, confidential and voluntary meetings are held in locations that meet the family’s needs, including private homes, the mediator’s office or a senior living facility. If possible, it is important that the elder participate so that his or her voice can be heard. The mediator works with the parties to identify solutions and outline plans of action that will alleviate caregiver stress and maintain quality of life for the elder.
In some cases, it may be appropriate to have third party professionals such as lawyers, care managers, doctors, or financial planners attend the mediation session. In addition, the mediator may also recommend resources for further exploration.
How do I budget for Elder Care Mediation?
Elder care mediation does not require the payment of an up-front retainer and services are provided at an hourly rate, payable at the conclusion of each session. The hourly rate can be divided between all participants if desired. There will be an additional charge if the parties request a written agreement at the conclusion of the mediation process.
When to Choose Elder Care Mediation
If you are a family that wants to put their elder relative first, and:
- you would welcome a compassionate guide to the discussion;
- siblings or other relatives are in disagreement on care or other issues;
- siblings or other relatives are not geographically close;
- underlying family conflicts are an obstacle;
- family members and the elder disagree on whether the elder’s physical and/or mental health is impacting the ability to care for him or herself and make appropriate decisions.
…then Elder Care Mediation may be right for you.