Risk-free, no obligation consultation

Blog

Unable to Resolve Disagreements With Siblings? Try an Elder Mediator.

August 10, 2023
Two adults are sitting side by side and smiling, facing an elder mediator.

Try an elder mediator for help with difficult family dynamics.


In working together to make sure the care needs of your aging parents are met, even the closest of siblings can find themselves in dispute. Stress levels and emotions are, without a doubt, running high. Combine that with your past family dynamics and history, which tend to resurface during difficult times, and it’s not hard to see how difficult this stage in life can be for each of you.

Some of the most common facets of controversy among siblings involve financial decisions, different opinions on medical treatments or living arrangements, and an unfair balance of tasks pertaining to caregiving, just to note a few.

In some cases, no matter how hard you try, you and your brothers and sisters are just not able to come to an understanding on precisely how to best care for your parents. An impasse like this is quite common, frequently resulting from complex family dynamics and unresolved disputes. However, there is a remedy many families are not aware of that may be exceedingly beneficial: bringing in an elder mediator.

A professional skilled in resolving conflicts, an elder mediator brings an independent, third-party voice to family discussions. They can help defuse elevated emotions and outbursts and steer the conversation in a way that produces an outcome that everyone can accept.

Elder mediator Susanne Terry explains, “Most of the time siblings want what’s best for the parents. They just look at it in a different way. Our goal is to help them figure out what their common interests are so they can work together to find solutions.”

Different from family therapy, which helps families work through problems slowly and gradually over a long period of time, elder mediation is a targeted, compacted technique that generally results in an agreeable result in only a couple of sessions.

Elder mediators give siblings the opportunity to both offer input and listen with respect to each other. The purpose is not only to identify the very best outcome for the elderly parents, but to help siblings maintain healthy relationships with one another in the process as well.

When researching elder mediation choices, there are several questions you should ask:

  • Are you a member of the Academy of Professional Family Mediators (APFM) or other professional associations?
  • What amount of experience do you have in our particular situation?
  • What is your education, training, and background?
  • What are your fees?

To find an elder mediator in your area, check out APFM’s mediator directory.

Once you and your siblings determine the best path forward in caring for your parents, give Home Matters Caregiving Houston a call. We will be happy to schedule a no-cost in-home assessment to talk about how we can help ensure all their care needs are met. You can contact us any time at 832-371-6600.

Home Matters Caregiving proudly serves the Houston Metro area providing care for seniors wherever they call home.

Share this article
About the author

Tyler Williams

As an Area Owner and Operator of a Home Matters Caregiving franchise, I am committed to ensuring exceptional outcomes for our valued clients and caregivers. My passion for elevating our service quality is matched by my role as a blogger and social media manager for the franchise, where I share insights, updates, and foster community engagement. Prior to senior care, I used my strategic communication and brand development skills as the Marketing Director of a regional bank. My diverse experience supports my commitment to excellence and innovation in both healthcare and digital communication.
Related Posts

Looking for Senior Care Franchise?

Home Matters Caregiving

Houston Metro, TX
Customer care
5.0

Based on 140+ Google reviews

“We just started using this service for my brother who had a traumatic brain injury. Irvin and Willis were extremely helpful navigating how to set up the service and work with my brothers particular needs.”
Heather Biggs
“This group of caring folks were there for me and my family when my dad transitioned. They are ALL truly a loving team and very professional through and through.”
El Soñador
“My grandma loves this company and so do we! Incredible service and care! Home matters has become a huge part of our family. Thank you so much you have made our lives so much better!”
Christopher I
“Ms. Rosie Lee did such an amazing job taking care of my grandfather. I honestly can say she made my grandfather such an happy person even while dealing with his mental illness.”
Marissa Rodriguez