Bob National Care Planning Care Council

Family & Elder Mediation Services

Resolve caregiving and estate conflicts with a calm, neutral guide. Our elder mediation helps seniors and families make decisions together, preserve relationships, and plan care with confidence.
Older adults smiling while conversation with eachother

What Is Elder Mediation?

Elder mediation is a private, confidential, and voluntary process. A trained, neutral mediator guides a respectful conversation so everyone can share concerns and agree on next steps. Mediators do not take sides, give legal advice, or make decisions for you—they help your family make its own workable agreements.

Common Reasons Families Choose Mediation

  • Caregiving responsibilities and burnout
  • Estate and inheritance disagreements
  • Care plans after a new diagnosis or hospital discharge
  • Moving to senior living or bringing in home care
  • Driving safety and independence conversations
  • Finances, bill management, and powers of attorney
  • End-of-life wishes and advance directives
  • Repairing resentments from past caregiving experiences
Older women listening to advisor
Son smiling and walking with his mother

Why It Helps Seniors and Families

  • Protects relationships by reducing conflict
  • Saves time and cost compared to drawn-out disputes
  • Creates clear, shared care plans and roles
  • Encourages fair participation from all family members
  • Supports informed decisions with dignity and respect

How Elder Mediation Works

Free, no-pressure consult

We learn your goals and answer questions.

Private intake calls

The mediator speaks separately with key participants to understand concerns.

Scheduling and location

Meet at home, a mediator’s office, a senior living community, or online.

Guided conversation

Everyone is heard. The mediator keeps the discussion focused and respectful.

Agreement and next steps

We document what you agree to and outline who will do what and when.

Follow-up

Optional check-ins to keep plans on track.

What to Expect in a Session

  • Duration: 1–2 hours
  • Participants: Senior, family members, and trusted supporters (as desired)
  • Ground rules: Respect, privacy, and the senior’s voice at the center
  • Outcome: Clear decisions and communication strategies for the future
Call now (800) 989-8137 or click “Find Care Near Me” to get matched with options today.

Privacy and Neutrality You Can Trust

  • Confidential: Your information is private within the mediation process.
  • Voluntary: Anyone can pause or stop at any time.
  • Neutral: We do not offer legal or medical advice. Bring your attorney or care team as needed.

Prepare for Mediation (Optional)

  • Current care needs, medications, and doctor list Legal documents (POA, health care proxy, will, advance directive)
  • Financial overview (budget, insurance, long-term care policy)
  • Your top concerns and desired outcomes

Frequently Asked Questions

How is mediation different from arbitration or counseling?
Mediation is collaborative. You make the decisions. Arbitration is binding and decided by an arbitrator. Counseling focuses on emotions; mediation focuses on reaching agreements while supporting respectful communication.
Who should attend?
The senior (as they wish), key family members, and anyone directly involved in care or decision-making. Legal or care professionals may join if helpful.
What if someone refuses to participate?
The mediator can speak privately with them, explain benefits, and adjust the process. Mediation remains voluntary.
How long does it take?
Many families reach agreements in 1–3 sessions. Complex situations may take more.
Are agreements binding?
Written agreements can be made binding if reviewed and signed with your attorney. Many families use them as working care plans.
Can we meet online?
Yes. Video sessions are available for families in different locations.
Is mediation appropriate in an emergency?
We can help facilitate urgent decisions. For immediate medical emergencies, call 911 first.

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