Navigating important healthcare, financial, and end-of-life decisions with an aging family member can be a difficult and heartbreaking process. Even as you try to safeguard your loved one's dignity, privacy, and independence, the emotional weight of the situation can sometimes lead to conflict between an aging parent and their adult children. If you notice family relationships becoming strained, or better still, before tensions arise, consider working with an eldercare mediator to guide your family through the decision-making process.

What Is an Eldercare Mediator?

An eldercare mediator is a trained professional who serves as a confidential resource and impartial facilitator for families navigating aging-related healthcare, lifestyle, and financial decisions. Unlike a judge or arbitrator, an eldercare mediator does not make decisions for you or your loved one. Instead, mediators help family members explore options and reach agreements about the best path forward for their loved one's care. They also emphasize preserving relationships between family members.

What Roles Does an Eldercare Mediator Have When Working with Families?

• Acting as a Neutral Party: Mediators do not take sides or advocate for one particular family member.