Elder mediation might sound like a scary, expensive, and needless process, but many families might be able to benefit from this process when they find that they are at a disagreement when it comes to the care of an older loved one.
Oftentimes, there is a definite need for senior care present. Your mom or dad might be developing Alzheimer’s, or maybe they just can’t transport themselves around like they used to, and some extra supervision is needed throughout the day to help them stay safe. After looking at your parent’s needs and what kind of care would most likely benefit them, you probably have come to a conclusion about what kind of care can help them. But, even when two people have the same things in front of them and look at the same research and suggestions, they can come to two different conclusion about what type of care or treatment is best. In these instances, arguments can easily occur, and both can be right from their perspectives.
Two different members of a family can have two very different ideas about what the best course of action for a loved one might be, and both can have the best of intents for their family member’s health. In fact, this is how most disagreements about senior care occur. It doesn’t mean that one is not a good person, or that the other is a better relative. No, it just means that people have different opinions about what’s best. If there’s no clear course of reconciliation, these disagreements can tear families apart. The end result is that the person in need of care–the focal point of this whole discussion–ends up receiving a lesser quality care. That’s not something that anybody wants.
Is mediation or any other sort of arbitration process the best course of action? It might be. It all depends on your family’s unique needs and what your goals are. However, if you see an argument brewing, it’s better to stave off these problems before they start causing divides in your family that cannot easily be repaired. You love your parent, and others do too. If you are looking for the best outcome for the people that you love, this course of action might be something worth looking into.
Mediation may have a cost associated with it, or it might not. It depends on who you go through and what your needs are within the process. This type of counseling can be expensive, but it doesn’t necessarily need to be. However, cost is a small thing when it comes to the love within your family. That’s what good senior care is all about. It hopes to establish a high quality of care so that the people you love can be safer, healthier, and happier. It’s a lofty goal, and arguments about the best way to achieve this can sometimes hurt more than help. If this is the situation that you find yourself in, then mediation might be the best choice.
Leave a Reply