Elder Care Mediation: A Better Approach Regarding Aging Parents Question: How can mediation work in a family caregiver setting? Answer: Mediation is extremely beneficial in difficult cases involving the care of a family member. Frequently, family conflicts get worse over time with the care recipient being placed in the middle of the dispute. In some cases, if the problems are not resolved, family caregivers “give up,” leaving a frail person with fewer choices for good care. And, if the family ends up in court, the family members can become further polarized. Mediation brings family members together to try to resolve their differences for the benefit of everyone involved. "Many people avoid elder-care mediation because they think it means their family is dysfunctional. All in all, nothing could be further from the truth. It actually means that the family is being responsible. It is better to go through mediation before things get bad than to wait for people to stop talking to one another. Even the closest families can experience difficulties when dealing with an elderly parent. Elder-care mediation is a great idea for those who want support, as well as a person who can help the family resolve any issues". Contact an Elder Care Mediator in your area.