Mediation with Older Adults

Mediation with Older Adults

Judy McCann-BerangerM.A., CCFE, Cert.CFM, Cert.EM

University of South AustraliaApril 29, 2013

©Judy McCann-Beranger

Session Overview• What is elder mediation?• Principles & philosophy • When and with whom is it likely to be useful• Special knowledge and skills


Historical Context

From infancy. . .


What Is Elder Mediation ?

Prevention Intervention Follow-up


Elder Mediation Defined


Use of Language


The Stories


Underlying Principles• Reduces caregiver burden • Promotes dignity and respect• Mediation can often prevent

and/or reduce conflict• Increased involvement of family

members and others• Family learns new way of

communicating • Focus on family strengths• Changing the face of health care.• Older adults need to be heard • Requires knowledge of aging


Benefits of Elder Mediation• Larger numbers involved and interested• promotes communication & cooperation• promotes self-determination• typically less costly than litigation• respectful and inclusive• more likely to offer more supports & follow through• recognizes and promotes capacity.


Ageism Attitudes that stereotype older adults

Reflects power relationships within groups

Inherent in our society


• Everyone has strengths, gifts, and contributions to offer.

• Every person has hopes, dreams and desires.

• Each person, and those who love the person, are the primary authorities on his or her life.

• Every person has the ability to express preferences and to make choices.

• A person’s choices and preferences shall always be considered.

Person Centered


• Natural supports can help improve the person’s quality of life by:– Maximizing independence– Creating community connections– Working toward achieving the person’s

dreams & goals• Person-centered care is:

– Listening– Trying things– Seeing how they work– Changing things as needed

Person Centered (2)


When & with whom?• Setting the stage• The participants• Respect & dignity• Emotional alliance


Anticipatory Planning


Mary & John


Mediation & Older Adults• Housing• Safety• Environment• Managing care• Care for the

caregiver• Intergenerational

conflict• New relationships• Loss of

dignity/voice

• Holiday schedules

• Abuse & neglect• Religious issues• Family business• Financial issues• End of life

decisions• Estate planning• Guardianship• Others…


Specialized Training• Dynamics of normal aging & life

cycle • Intergenerational relationships• Balance of power• Elder abuse• Ethical issues• Community support

services• Living arrangements• Guardianship - capacity


Specialized Training• Ageism• Culture & aging• Dementia, progressive diseases

and chronic illness• Documenting the agreement• Family and elder law• Financial & Estate• Grief Issues• Others…


Pat Mutch “A Courageous Story”

“It is tragic that so many of us go for so long without hearing about this

wonderful service of mediation. Why is that?”


Staying Current!• New research• New medications/treatment• Limitations of screening tests• Information dissemination

to clients• Timely referrals


“Hold On”

Sons of Maxwellwww.sonsofmaxwell.com

Among the Living , 2000

Documents

Mediation with Older Adults