Elder Mediation
Families often find themselves in conflict over the care of an elderly parent. A parent or other elder family member may wish to remain independent, despite impairment to the elder’s decision-making capacity and ability to handle day-to-day household tasks. This can place great strain on the family relationships and elder planning becomes necessary. Mediation is often chosen to assist with elder issues because:
- Mediation allows multiple participants, possibly including the elderly family member, a safe forum to voice their wishes and concerns
- A mediated resolution may avoid Court involvement, unless a guardianship or conservatorship is made part of the plan for specific reasons
- Family members work together towards a practical solution that will meet the needs of the elderly family member
- Post-mediation relationships between family members may be better sustained than in litigation
