Elder & Family Mediation for Long‑Term Care Planning

Resolve conflict. Protect relationships. Make confident decisions together.
Aging brings big decisions—where to live, how to share caregiving, how to handle finances, and how to honor a lifetime of memories. When conversations stall or arguments escalate, a neutral elder mediator helps your family find practical, respectful solutions—without court and without lasting resentment.
Fast, private, and collaborative. In person or virtual. Focused on what matters most: the senior’s wishes, safety, and quality of life.

What Is Elder Mediation?

  • Hear every voice, especially the senior’s
  • Understand options with the help of trusted advisors (e.g., elder law attorneys, geriatric care managers, financial planners)
  • Create clear, written agreements you can live with now and update later

Why Families Choose Mediation Over Court

  • You stay in control: Families—not a judge—decide the outcome
  • Faster and less stressful: Most matters resolve in hours or days, not months
  • Private and respectful: Sensitive topics stay outside the courtroom
  • Relationship‑friendly: Reduces blame, preserves dignity, and protects family bonds
  • Cost‑conscious: Typically far less expensive than litigation

When to Use Elder Mediation

Use mediation early—before a crisis—to save time, money, and stress. Common topics include:
  • Caregiving roles and respite to prevent burnout
  • Where to live: aging in place, assisted living, memory care, or moving in with family
  • Safety and independence: home modifications, transportation, medication management
  • Finances: budgeting for care, Power of Attorney, paying bills, investment and tax decisions
  • Estate and inheritance concerns: wills, beneficiary expectations, “what’s fair”
  • Selling the home, downsizing, or handling cherished heirlooms
  • Medical decisions: advance directives, health care proxies, care plans
  • Guardianship and post‑appointment coordination
Elderly couple and adult children having a thoughtful family discussion at home.

How Elder Mediation Works

Free intake and fit check (15 minutes)

We learn your goals, explain the process, and confirm mediation is appropriate.

Preparation

Gather needed documents (e.g., POA, health proxy) and decide who should attend.

First session (usually 2–3 hours)

Set ground rules, define goals, surface concerns, and identify options.

Option‑building and agreements

Choose solutions that fit your family’s values, resources, and timelines.

Written plan and follow‑ups

Receive a summary with clear responsibilities, dates, and next steps. Optional check‑ins ensure the plan keeps working.
Mediator meeting with elderly couple in a respectful, supportive setting.

Who Should Attend?

  • The senior (whenever possible and safe)
  • Adult children and involved spouses/partners
  • Key professionals by invitation (e.g., attorney, financial advisor, care manager)
  • A support person or advocate for seniors with cognitive impairment

Is Mediation Always Appropriate?

Mediation is ideal when everyone is willing to participate and seek solutions. If there are signs of coercion, abuse, or neglect, we pause and connect you with appropriate protections. If a senior has significant cognitive impairment, we include a suitable advocate or representative to safeguard their interests.

Common Situations We Help Resolve

Sibling disputes

  • Different views on “what’s fair” or who does what
  • Burnout and resentment from unequal caregiving loads
  • Conflicts involving spouses’ perspectives

Money and decision rights

  • Choosing or updating a Power of Attorney
  • Coordinating bill‑paying, budgeting, and investment approaches

Residence and care level

  • Aging in place with supports vs. moving to assisted living or memory care
  • Balancing safety, cost, and personal preferences

Home sale and heirlooms

  • Dividing costs, timing a sale, sharing a vacation home, or handling keepsakes

Medical decisions and care plans

  • Aligning on treatment choices, goals of care, and who speaks for the senior

Guardianship

  • Exploring less‑restrictive options and coordinating roles post‑appointment

What to Expect in a Session

  • Clear ground rules for respect and time‑sharing
  • Plain‑English explanations and a pace that works for seniors
  • Breaks as needed and accessibility supports (hearing, vision, mobility)
  • A focus on practical decisions you can implement now

Formats and Accessibility

  • Virtual mediation for dispersed families (secure video)
  • In‑person sessions where available
  • Accessibility options: large‑print materials, high‑contrast visuals, assistive listening, captions, and recorded summaries on request

Timeline, Fees, and Value

  • Typical timeline: 1–3 sessions for many families
  • Transparent pricing with package options
  • Lower total cost than drawn‑out legal processes
Contact us for a personalized estimate based on your situation.
Elderly woman joining a family mediation video call from home.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is mediation legally binding?
You’ll receive a written agreement. Your attorney can convert it into legal documents where appropriate (e.g., updated POA, care agreements).
Do all siblings have to attend?
It helps when all key decision‑makers participate. If someone is reluctant, we can discuss phased participation or shuttle mediation.
What if my parent doesn’t want to move?
Mediation centers the senior’s preferences while exploring safety, support, and affordability. We often include a geriatric care manager to broaden options.
What if there’s a history of conflict?
That’s exactly when mediation helps. Structured turns, clear rules, and a neutral guide make productive conversation possible.
Can we include our lawyer or financial advisor?
Yes. Professionals can join to explain options and reduce confusion—without taking over the family’s decisions.