Your parents have cared for you your entire life. As roles reverse, you likely want to do everything you can for them. While you try to make sure many of their needs are met, disagreements about your parents’ care and financial situation could arise among family members.
Your siblings probably want to do all they can for your parents as well. But you may have different concerns about how to address the needs of your aging parents. It is not uncommon for family members to have disputes – especially during trying times, and in some cases, mediation might be necessary to help you determine the best course of action for you, your parents and your siblings.
Mediation could help you and your loved ones make decisions
If you and your family members need a safe place to discuss the needs of your parents, mediation can provide a cooperative atmosphere where you can share your concerns and make decisions together. Your discussion could relate to guardianship, estate planning, dividing caregiving responsibilities and health and safety concerns.
If disputes escalate among your loved ones, the mediation process could help you agree on matters without court involvement. Rather than leaving decisions in the hands of a judge, mediation could help you and your siblings support your parents while they recognize changes in their:
- Ability to independently meet their needs
- Analytical capabilities
- Problem-solving skills
- Capability to act on those determinations
Seeing your parents age can be difficult. However, coming together as a family to make arrangements can not only help relieve some tension in the present; doing so may also help you build stronger relationships as you look to the future.