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                          Assisting Seniors and Their Families

"Mom shouldn’t be living alone.  That house is too big for her, now that Dad is gone."

                    "My children are going to send me away and forget about me."

"Dad can barely see the television, but refuses to give up his driver’s license."

                    "They want to take away my independence, like I'm a child."

"If Mom moves in with us, we'll divorce.  Besides, my brother should do more to help out.”

                    "My kids won't even speak to each other, and I feel like it's all my fault."

 "We’re so worried about Dad, but he won’t even talk about making changes.”

                    "I worry about my finances, my health, and living all alone.  They don't understand."

A core value of elder mediation is the protection of the rights and integrity of seniors.  This is especially important to seniors facing major life transitions.  Mediators act as neutrals to help facilitate family members in considering options for maximizing an individual's autonomy and independence.  When communication is difficult, critical decisions may be put on hold.  Mediation is an effective process for helping families move forward.

The strength of mediation lies in its problem-solving, practical approach to the issues at hand.  Sometimes family dynamics keep us from exploring different possibilities.  We tune out each other's words, believing that we already know the answers.  Guided by a skilled mediator, the mediation process enables us to better understand and listen to what our family members are saying.  This may help family members set aside their differences and focus on fashioning solutions that preserve the dignity of their parents.  

Mediation may assist seniors and their families in addressing the following issues:

    • Decisions Regarding the Family Home
    • Care-giving for Aging Parents
    • Safety and Health Concerns
    • Trusts and Estate Planning
    • Sibling Conflict Regarding Elder Parent Care

If a parent chooses to relocate into an assisted living or nursing home facility, mediation may also be of service.  Mediation can address conflicts between patients and staff, disputes among family members relating to visitation, and potential health concerns.

Participation in mediation is voluntary; however, mediation may not be appropriate if there are concerns of abuse, neglect, or cognitive impairment.  In some cases, the mediator may insist that an advocate for the elder (such as an attorney, social worker, or geriatric care manager) take part in communications and decisions that would impact the senior.

Olive Branch Mediation is dedicated to serving our clients with a facilitative approach.  We believe in the value of developing open communication between parties and helping individuals recognize each other's perspective.  Mediation empowers individuals to generate their own solutions through a process that may preserve and strengthen family relationships.

For additional information regarding the services of Olive Branch Mediation, please do not hesitate to contact us.