Mediation has long been discussed as a potential avenue for resolving the issues surrounding divorce or child custody, but mediation can also be effective tool for managing disputes regarding an elderly family member. Typically, parents and grandparents are a key focus of elderly mediation discussions if there health conditions are worsening.
Family dynamics can be different in every scenario, but the mediation option can be a valuable method of alternative dispute resolution. If an aging family member is requiring additional medical care and various family members are not in agreement on the appropriate course of action, mediation can be used to develop a plan with the input of all relevant family members.
One of the leading problems affecting families with elderly member is what to do in the case of Alzheimer’s or other cognitive disorders. Siblings may disagree over the best course of action regarding the family member’s healthcare needs, causing tension and grief for everyone involved. Mediation is another route that provides some of the benefits of the legal system, like working through the issues with the help of a professional, while giving parties the opportunity to help generate a mutually beneficial solution. This avoids lengthy courtroom cases and high legal fees, and is much more likely to leave family relationships intact at the end.
Mediation can also be helpful in an educational manner. When many families are presented with a progressive disease, such as Alzheimer’s, a lack of knowledge about the condition itself can heighten emotions and initiate infighting. Mediation will allow family members the opportunity to learn more about their options and weigh the pros and cons of various avenues. Fighting within families can be extremely difficult to cope with, but through the guidance of your attorney, you may find that mediation is helpful in creating a long-term solution. Reach out for legal assistance today, and contact our DuPage County family law attorneys.
