A tough shift that changes many things in our lives is when our
parents need us to look after them.
We'll examine all aspects of this shift we need to be ready for,
among them being... is it really going to happen, how will we
know, what do we do when there's resistance to help, what do we
do when we see changes but no one else does, where do we turn to
get help, and how do we deal with family discord?’

Making elder care and end of life decisions is always difficult. Far too often family members are unable to reach agreement causing even greater stress, turmoil and strife between family members. Often these conflicts result in broken relationships. Relationships which may never heal.  Many families resort to the legal system and to resolve the conflict. while ultimately a court will decide the emotional and financial toll of a protracted bitter court fight can be exorbitant.

Elder mediation empowers family members to understand the options and reach a mutually acceptable solution.  

Why Consider Elder Mediation?

•        Private: Personal family issues remain private and confidential  

•        Efficient: when a loved one is in need of care time is of the essences, decisions need to be made quickly. Mediation sessions generally occur immediately.

•        Maintain control and autonomy: Family knows what is best for Family. Mediation allows for complete control

•        Framework for future working relationship:  the needs of aging loved ones are often escalating  and continuous. Mediation helps families to work together to make decisions and facilitate care.

How Elder Mediation Works

 The goal of elder mediation is resolve conflicts and reach agreements that reflect thoughtful and careful consideration for all those involved. Each family will have the opportunity to hear and be heard with an eye toward finding mutually acceptable solutions. Elder mediation also sets a framework for a continued cooperative, cohesive relationship between members to ensure that the needs are met. To ensure that all members have the opportunity for involvement, mediation sessions can be in person or virtual, or a combination of the two.

Common issues which can be resolved include, but are certainly not limited to;

• Caregiving

• Residential placement

• Heath care decisions

• Emergency decisions

• Financial decisions

• Family member roles and responsibilities

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Why Choose Laurie Giles As Your Mediator

Her vast mediation experience and significant mediation training Makes Laurie Giles uniquely qualified to help you reach an amicable resolution of your family issues In her private mediation practice, she has worked with numerous couples and families to find solutions to their family conflict. Her mediation practice areas include divorce, custody, post divorce, and issues surrounding care of aging and ailing parents and post death conflicts. In November of 2011, her article “Keeping Family Ties, Tied;  Utilizing Elder Mediation To Preserve And Protect Sibling Relationships” was presented to the American Association of Law Schools ADR work in progress conference, in Omaha Nebraska .

Laurie Giles earned a certificate in divorce mediation from Syracuse University. She also received advanced family financial mediation training from Carolina Mediation Services.

Fees

Elder mediation fees are based on an hourly rate. A Written estimate of fees is presented prior to the commencement of the mediation.