As the baby boomer generation ages, more and more adult children are faced with the situation of aging parents. Who will take care of them and how can the cost of caring for them be divided among the adult children? This is especially challenging since the grown children often have families of their own and may have different incomes and job securities. That’s when San Diego eldercare mediation can help.
Eldercare mediation is a private, confidential, and voluntary meeting where family members can come together to discuss issues regarding aging family members. The primary purpose of a mediator is to:
1) Provide a safe space for people to meet and discuss their concerns.
2) Use their skills in conflict resolution to promote productive discussions.
For the most part, it is better to resolve the issue surrounding eldercare earlier rather than later. When unregulated, one member of the family may end up carrying the financial and emotional burden of eldercare. In time, they may experience “caregiver burnout”. The situation gets even more complicated if the aging parents develop medical or mental issues.
It’s no secret that aging parents hold the key to an estate that they will leave behind when they die. Most adult children do not know how their parents intend to distribute the wealth. Because of the sensitive nature of the topic, adult children are forced into a game of “wait and see”. Instead of leaving it to chance, it might be useful to recruit the help of an eldercare mediator who can manage the sensitive topic of inheritance. Using their skills as a mediator, they can encourage a discussion so the wishes of the parents are honored and the needs of the grown children are recognized.
Indeed, a safe space is needed so people can talk without being judge or made to feel guilty. Contact Scott Levin for San Diego Elder Care Mediation Services.