Senior Decision-Making and Elder Mediation

In honor of Older American’s Month, we are highlighting the wisdom, challenges and decisions faced by elders and their families. Whether we label someone an Elder, Older Person or Senior Citizen, we are talking about a human being with significant life experience who is likely facing significant changes. Some face especially difficult physical challenges with aging bodies and health troubles. Others face significant mental challenges with a reduced capacity for memory and the diagnosis of diseases such as Alzheimer’s. Many face challenges within their family regarding decisions about how to handle each of the above changes, determine care, manage finances and handle legacy matters.

Physical and mental challenges may be mitigated but often resist complete resolution. In contrast, family decision-making can be improved in order to meet critical needs, create understanding and improve relationships at these critical life stages. We can’t turn back the clock, but we can move forward together, supporting one another for a richer life experience and reduced stress. Qualified Elder Mediation and Senior Decision-making programs help families make collaborative decisions to meet needs and often contribute to improved relationships.

Some families are able to conquer the challenges and pressures to make joint decisions without external help. Those who are able to do so should share their experience and tips with friends in related situations. A professional facilitator brings both their experience in working with other families and a flexibility to adapt their approach for each unique situation. Ultimately, it is the family that will decide what works best for their loved ones and themselves. A facilitator or mediator helps that process to unfold productively and with recognition for the needs of each involved family member and/or caretaker in addition to the needs of the older person(s).

For more information on Elder Mediation and Senior-Decision Making please our website: http://www.nvms.us/elder-mediation

To find a Mediator or Facilitator throughout the state and country, please visit http://www.vaccr.org/ and http://www.nafcm.org/public/findhelp