The aging process naturally unfolds with many life transitions each step along the way. Quality of life and care throughout our lives depends on the decisions we and the people we care about make.
Often, as we age, there are changes in our physical and mental well being which may also impact the lives of other people who are important to us. A family member may notice dents in a parent's car and worry that it may no longer be safe for her/him to drive. Shared decision making involves talking about concerns, preferences and options with the people who are important to you.
A skilled mediator will facilitate a dialogue between individuals to better understand each other's needs, preferences and the possible options to achieve the highest quality of life and care. When members of a family live far from each other and do not communicate frequently, decision making can be stressful and challenging. Mediation is one method families may choose to help them with their shared decision making involving concerns about:
- when to stop driving,
- least restrictive living arrangements,
- values, choices and preferences,
- family relationships and communication,
- support for caregivers,
- grandparents caring for grandchildren,
- financial decisions,
- health and medical care decisions,
- end of life decisions,
- shared decision making among siblings, including those out of State,
- discharge and transitional plans from hospitals or nursing homes.
**© 2007, National Elder Mediation Network and Elder Mediation Institute (Elder Mediation Working Definition subcommittee Nancy Solnick, Alice Rudnick, Marcia Haber)