EMIN Definition of Elder Mediation

1. EMIN Definition of Elder Mediation • Elder mediation is a focused, preventative, respectful process – usually multi-party, multi-issue and intergenerational. • The trained mediator facilitates discussions focusing on present strengths and assists participants in addressing their stated wishes or concerns. • This form of mediation can include many people related to the issues, such as family members, caregivers, organizations, agencies and a variety of service providers.

2. Issues for Mediation • Quality of life issues • Financial and estate planning • Family dynamics and communication • New partnerships/marriage • Living arrangements • Support for primary caregivers • Safety and health concerns • End of life decisions and wishes • Estranged family members

3. Evolution of Elder Mediation 1 • Long tradition of mediation/arbitration in older societies in all sorts of disputes, including family issues • EM as an identifiably separate activity began to emerge in North America in the 70s. • Most significant developments in Canada led by Judy McCann Beranger in the 1990s • Promoted in UK in the 90s – Yvonne Craig particularly focused on the potential of EM to help prevent elder abuse • International Elder Mediation Summit held in Dublin 2009

4. Evolution of Elder Mediation 2 • First moves in Ireland 2009 – pilot program run by Mediation Northside now Community Law and Mediation • MII providing EM training – started in 2010 with course run by Judy McCann-Beranger • In 2012 EMIN accreditation of first group of Irish mediators. • MII brochure on Elder Mediation launched in 2012

5. Uniqueness of Elder Mediation (1) • Number and diversity of participants Often involves a larger number and a more diverse group of participants including the older person/people, advocates/support people, family members, neighbours, friends, carers, nursing home and hospital staff, GPs, public health nurses etc.

6. Uniqueness of Elder Mediation (2) • Wellness and Prevention • While EM is often used to resolve conflict and reduce stress, there is a strong emphasis on prevention of conflict and stress through early intervention • Proactive rather than just reactive

7. Uniqueness of Elder Mediation (3) • Inter-Professional Relations • The Elder Mediator must respect and invite complementary relationships with other professionals • Has a responsibility to encourage clients to use other resources where appropriate

8. Specialised Training • Alzheimer Disease and other progressive dementias including issues of Capacity • Legal Issues • Elder Abuse • Bereavement, Grief & Loss • Dynamics of ageing and intergenerational dynamics • Ageism

9. EMIN Code of Ethics • Elder Mediation International Network (EMIN) • To advance the practice of elder mediation across the world • To develop high standards of ethics, conduct, education and achievement • Code of Practice developed by EMIN and reviewed on a regular basis • Latest version is February 2016

10. EMIN Certification Process Quality mark to protect referring agencies: • 100 hours of specialised training • 5 cases including role plays and live cases to be written up • Video of role play and analysis • 3 hour written examination See www.elder-mediation-international.net

11. Benefits of Elder Mediation • Promotes communication and co-operation • Promotes self-determination • Often increases options available • A respectful and inclusive process • Recognises and promotes capacity • Generally less costly than litigation

12. Research Findings 1 Limited number of studies Families report enhanced quality of life, improvement of fragile relationships, reduction or prevention of incidents of elder abuse Older people stay living at home for longer Very high level of compliance with agreements made

13. Research Findings 2 Lower admission rates to long-term care by people living with progressive dementias. Dramatic reductions of visits to A and E and subsequent admissions to hospitals. Considerable savings to the health care system (Rivera-Mildenhall, 2010)