What Is Elder Mediation?

©  Judy McCann-Beranger, Cert.EM Advanced

What is Elder Mediation?

There have been many conversations throughout the world on the value of elder mediation and the importance of recognizing it as a specialty under the mediation continuum. What is “elder mediation”? What does that term really mean, and does it also have a legitimate claim on impacting a reduction in the incidence of elder abuse and neglect?

In its most basic description, many people understand Elder Mediation to be a process in which a professionally trained Elder Mediator utilizes a “mediation process model” to address issues and concerns involving an older adult. In some cases, an older adult who is vulnerable may be at the heart of the mediation but in other cases the mediation might be called to reduce or prevent vulnerability of the older person. The challenge with a limited definition of elder mediation is that it can fail to address the issue of prevention. If mediators do not understand the necessity and value of the preventative aspect of mediation then due harm, unintentional though it may be, can be caused. Elder mediation will continue to be underutilized if legal and health care professionals, along with other stakeholders and the general public do not come to understand this preventative component of mediation. (McCann Beranger, Justice Canada, 2012).

Elder Mediation is based on a wellness model that promotes a person-centred approach for all participants; it is mindful of the older person(s) while respecting the rights of each person participating. Regardless of the numbers present, each person is unique with his or her own narrative, intrinsic value, strengths and weaknesses. Through the Elder Mediation lens, aging is viewed as part of a continuing process of development and change, rather than just a period of physical and cognitive decline. (EMIN Code of Ethics, 2018)

Benefits of Elder Mediation

Elder Mediation is based on a wellness model that promotes a person-centered approach for all participants- tapping their collective creativity while exploring what will work best to enhance the quality of life for all concerned. Often family members with poor communication skills are surprised at how, with the help of an Elder Mediator, they can learn new ways of communicating with each other. Participants in the mediation identify topics they wish to discuss, or issues they wish to resolve, and they work towards reaching agreements that promote well-being and quality of life. Confidence grows as plans are explored. Ideas for ways of helping are generated by the participants as they explore how they can move forward together, supporting each other, often through very difficult times.

Elder Mediation promotes communication and the involvement of more family members and others who wish to help. The role of the Elder Mediator is not to impose solutions but is, rather, to facilitate discussion amongst the participants, who themselves, devise solutions that best fit their circumstances. It is becoming more common for hospitals, nursing homes, professional services/legal organizations and community care homes to participate in, and often to promote and initiate the process.

It is heart-warming and not surprising to witness how many will answer the request to participate in Elder Mediation to find a way to provide support to the older person at the heart of the situation. Relationships are often strengthened, close bonds are established, and in some situation, bonds are re-established. Personal and family resilience can be at its best. (McCann-Beranger, A Caregiver’s Guide, 2014)

Through the Elder Mediation process a single, core issue or a multitude of issues can be addressed. Examples include, but not limited to:

  • Intergenerational relationships
  • Housing and living arrangements
  • Retirement
  • New marriages and stepfamily situations
  • Health Care – at home, in the community, in the hospital or in continuing care and long-term care communities
  • Financial planning
  • Nursing home decisions, medical decisions
  • Safety
  • Environment
  • Care for the caregiver
  • Progressive dementias and other memory impairments
  • Abuse and neglect
  • Religious issues
  • Family business and other family assets
  • Driving
  • End of life decisions; power of attorney, living wills, decision making
  • Guardianship
  • Estate planning

A Google web search on “elder mediation” in 2012 returned 8,880 hits; a search of “elder mediation + elder abuse” returned 1,860. The same searches in 2019 returned results of 15,200,000 and 6,550,000 responses! Such responses are indicative of the steadily increasing spread of awareness of elder mediation services and its growing efficacy in the arena of elder abuse. It is also indicative of the number of people using the term elder mediation.

© Copyright – Judy Mccann-Beranger, 2020