Family Mediation has been demonstrated by research to be effective for families experiencing conflict. It is affordable and timely, and preserves relationships where possible. Elder Mediation is the mediation of any dispute or conflict involving older adults.
The Ontario Association for Family Mediation promotes and governs the professionalism within the family mediation community by granting accreditation to family mediators, and elder mediators, who have completed a rigorous program of education and training.
Accredited Family Mediators (AccFM), and Accredited Elder Mediators(AccEM), are trained to help you determine what is important to you, understand legal requirements and focus on your best interests to ensure the best possible outcome for your family.
Mediation by nature is cooperative, private, informal, supportive and non-confrontational, and lends itself well to resolution of disagreements with people of advanced age.
In Elder Mediation the underlying root of the problem often lies beyond the defined parties to the disagreement and the particular issue in dispute. The participation of all involved including family members and friends can be integral to resolving the problem in an honest and meaningful way. The presence of support people during mediation can assist an older adult to feel more cared for and confident during difficult conversations. Depending on the situation it is not uncommon to include paid caregivers, hospital staff, nursing home and or community care representatives, physicians and other professionals.
www.oafm.on.ca