Mediation with Older Adults

Judy McCann-BerangerM.A., CCFE, Cert.CFM, Cert.EM

University of South AustraliaApril 29, 2013

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Session Overview• What is elder mediation?• Principles & philosophy • When and with whom is it likely to be useful• Special knowledge and skills

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Historical Context

From infancy. . .

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What Is Elder Mediation ?

Prevention Intervention Follow-up

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Elder Mediation Defined

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Use of Language

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The Stories

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Underlying Principles• Reduces caregiver burden • Promotes dignity and respect• Mediation can often prevent

and/or reduce conflict• Increased involvement of family

members and others• Family learns new way of

communicating • Focus on family strengths• Changing the face of health care.• Older adults need to be heard • Requires knowledge of aging

©Judy McCann-Beranger

Benefits of Elder Mediation• Larger numbers involved and interested• promotes communication & cooperation• promotes self-determination• typically less costly than litigation• respectful and inclusive• more likely to offer more supports & follow through• recognizes and promotes capacity.

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Ageism Attitudes that stereotype older adults

Reflects power relationships within groups

Inherent in our society

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• Everyone has strengths, gifts, and contributions to offer.

• Every person has hopes, dreams and desires.

• Each person, and those who love the person, are the primary authorities on his or her life.

• Every person has the ability to express preferences and to make choices.

• A person’s choices and preferences shall always be considered.

Person Centered

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• Natural supports can help improve the person’s quality of life by:– Maximizing independence– Creating community connections– Working toward achieving the person’s

dreams & goals• Person-centered care is:

– Listening– Trying things– Seeing how they work– Changing things as needed

Person Centered (2)

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When & with whom?• Setting the stage• The participants• Respect & dignity• Emotional alliance

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Anticipatory Planning

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Mary & John

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Mediation & Older Adults• Housing• Safety• Environment• Managing care• Care for the

caregiver• Intergenerational

conflict• New relationships• Loss of

dignity/voice

• Holiday schedules

• Abuse & neglect• Religious issues• Family business• Financial issues• End of life

decisions• Estate planning• Guardianship• Others…

©Judy McCann-Beranger

Specialized Training• Dynamics of normal aging & life

cycle • Intergenerational relationships• Balance of power• Elder abuse• Ethical issues• Community support

services• Living arrangements• Guardianship - capacity

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Specialized Training• Ageism• Culture & aging• Dementia, progressive diseases

and chronic illness• Documenting the agreement• Family and elder law• Financial & Estate• Grief Issues• Others…

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Pat Mutch “A Courageous Story”

“It is tragic that so many of us go for so long without hearing about this

wonderful service of mediation. Why is that?”

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Staying Current!• New research• New medications/treatment• Limitations of screening tests• Information dissemination

to clients• Timely referrals

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“Hold On”

Sons of Maxwellwww.sonsofmaxwell.com

Among the Living , 2000