Elder and Family Mediation

No.

Mediation can be particularly valuable before conflict becomes entrenched.

Families may seek mediation because they know an important decision is approaching, communication has become strained or several family members have different ideas about what should happen.

Having a facilitated conversation earlier can make it easier to understand everyone’s concerns and develop a plan before circumstances become more difficult.

It is important that the elder person (your loved one) remains at the centre of the mediation process. Understandably, every family has different circumstances and needs.

There may be times when health, communication needs or other circumstances affect how they are able to participate. In these situations, the mediation process can be adapted to support the older person’s needs, wishes and level of participation, while also recognising the needs and circumstances of the family.

A diagnosis of dementia or cognitive impairment does not automatically mean that an older person cannot participate in mediation.

Capacity can be specific to the particular decision being discussed and may fluctuate.

Linda considers each situation individually and may recommend that appropriate professional advice or assessment is obtained where questions about decision-making capacity arise.

The mediation process may also be adapted to support the older person’s participation wherever appropriate.

That is often when having an impartial mediator can be particularly useful.

Linda provides structure to the conversation so that each person can explain their concerns while also hearing the perspectives of others.

The aim is not necessarily for everyone to think the same way. Instead, mediation helps identify areas of agreement, clarify where differences remain and explore whether practical arrangements can be reached.

Elder Mediation commonly involves adult children, siblings, grandchildren, or other significant people involved in their circumstances.

Who attends will depend on the issues being discussed and will be considered as part of the intake process.

In some circumstances, yes.

A support person or another relevant professional may be able to participate where this is appropriate and agreed upon.

This needs to be discussed with Linda before mediation.

Not necessarily.

Elder Mediation is focused on facilitating family communication and decision-making rather than providing legal advice.

However, where discussions involve legal rights, property, Enduring Powers of Attorney, guardianship, financial arrangements or other legal matters, participants may benefit from obtaining independent legal advice.

All intake appointments and Elder Mediation sessions are conducted online via Zoom, allowing family members to participate from wherever they are. This makes mediation more convenient and accessible, particularly when family members live in different locations or are balancing work, caring and other commitments.

Zoom also allows for joint conversations or separate breakout rooms where appropriate, creating a flexible and comfortable environment for everyone involved.

Mediation is conducted as a private and confidential process.

Linda will explain confidentiality before the mediation commences and explain the exceptions of confidentiality.

Not every issue needs to be resolved in one mediation.

Sometimes the most valuable outcome is gaining a clearer understanding of everyone’s concerns, identifying what further information is needed and agreeing on the next steps.

Families may choose to return for another mediation after obtaining further medical, legal, financial or aged-care information.