Starting the process

The first step is to give us a call. If you are a concerned family member or professional referring a family, our team will explain elder mediation and ask for the names of others in the family and other stakeholders to call to introduce our mediation process. We do this at no charge.

Private Sessions with Each Stakeholder

Once family members agree to mediate, our lead mediator conducts extensive telephone interviews with each participant. Often, the interview with the elder is done in person. Next, the lead mediator brings in a co-mediator to plan for the conference.

The Family Meeting

Two Elder Matters mediators facilitate a conference of all the stakeholders at an agreed upon location. The role of Elder Matters is to facilitate a discussion  through which each party may express their interests with the goal of reaching an understanding.

The Follow-up

Elder Matters prepares a summary of the meeting with any agreement and understandings reached, upon request. In some cases, Elder Matters facilitates further discussions. preferably in person, but also by video telephony if necessary.

Questions?

Feel free to call Elder Matters. We are happy to discuss what we do and how we may help you.

Issues Frequently Discussed in Elder Mediation

• Health and welfare

• Family dynamics and communication patterns

• Establishing in advance how families will make decisions to avoid disputes

• Channels for the voice of the elder

• Capacity of the elder

• Driving and transportation

• Finances

• Power of attorney

• Advance directives

• Guardianships

• Inheritance

• Wills, trusts and estates

• Caregiver concerns

• Family member responsibilities

• Medical decisions

• Real estate and personal property