As loved ones age, families often divide over issues such as caregiving, medical decisions, and estate concerns. Mr. Gary J. Santucci at Associates in Counseling and Mediation in Davie, Florida, can help families compromise on complex issues as they relate to the living arrangements, care, and estate of an aging family member, keeping the health, safety, and dignity of the person of interest at the forefront for all involved parties.
A mediator can help when family members are unable to agree on issues as they relate to the care of an aging loved one. This may include:
Mediation can be conducted in two ways; the mediator and all involved parties can meet, in the same place at the same time, or the mediator can communicate with each party separately. Here’s the process:
The cost of mediation depends on how long it takes to come to an agreement between parties. Mediators charge an hourly rate, which is generally less than the cost of an attorney. Because only one mediator is required, the group is able to split the total cost of mediation and each pay just a share. Associates in Counseling and Mediation can help families estimate and plan for the expenses associated with elder mediation.
The grief and emotional aspect of caring or making decisions for an aging loved can become overwhelming and distracting, causing family divide and turmoil. Elder mediators are trained and experienced in this kind of mediation. In all cases, their primary focus is the dignity and care of the aging family member. Mediators can help family members bring their focus back to the most important topic, the health and safety of their loved one.
In many cases, communication and perspective is improved in the mediation setting. All parties want the opportunity to speak and be heard and may naturally participate at the highest level in order to do so. When that isn’t the case, mediators are trained to de-escalate conversation, present new perspectives, and facilitate communication that is positive and solution-oriented.
At Associates in Counseling and Mediation, we accept all insurance plans except Medicare. Here is a list of some of the plans we accept. Please contact our office if you do not see your insurance provider listed.