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NPR Article:
Mediators Help Families With Tough Choices Of Aging
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April 13, 2009 · They are disputes that can split apart families: Mom's left a pot on the stove again, so her daughters want her to give up her house. Dad's got more scrapes on his car, so his kids want to take away the car keys. Now there's a new option for families: Call in an elder mediator
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Easing the
Tough Conversations
April, 2009 |
Greetings!
Welcome and thank you for joining us. |
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The term "mediation" typically is equated with a conflict or major disagreement between two or more people.
Families do not need to wait until they are faced with clashes and tension before sitting together to work through a difficult situation. Family meeting facilitation is a process to bring people together to share ideas, review options and plan next steps.
If it is difficult to initiate important discussions, consider a professional facilitator to ease the conversation. |
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Legislative News - A Bill for Culture Change
Colorado Culture Change Coalition is excited about HB1196, a bill that was introduced in early February.
Federal Civil Monetary Penalties (CMPs) and State CMPs/fines are imposed by the regulatory agencies that license nursing homes if a nursing home does not comply with regulatory standards. Right now the money is used to help relocate residents in nursing homes when a nursing home shuts down. 
HB1196 is asking that a portion of that money be reallocated to a nursing home improvement and innovation fund so that it can be used to improve current nursing homes. HB1196 does not require any additional funding and does not use general fund money, so it is a smart, innovative move in these difficult financial times. There is also a safety net written into the bill so there is always adequate funding in case a nursing home closes and residents need to be moved.
HB1196 passed through the House during the week of 23 March. It's on its way to the Senate. Pioneer Network has a great document on their website that explains how several other states have successfully begun using these CMP dollars to create change in their nursing homes. If you have more questions or are interested in being an advocate for this bill, please contact Amelia Schafer at amelia.schafer@alz.org.
Penny Cook, Board Members of the Colorado Culture Change was featured on Colorado Public Radio on April 8, 2009. Listen here: 2009 Session - Changing Nursing Home Culture |
What To Do When a Family Disagreement Makes Caregiving Way Harder Than It Needs To Be
There's little that's more frustrating than doing your best in a situation involving the welfare of an elder -- only to have your choices criticized or opposed by a sibling, parent, or other family member. Hello super stress.
Family disagreements are nothing new. But when you're all grown-ups, you can't slug it out in the backyard or send anybody to their room. At least, not if you plan to resolve anything. That leaves nitpicking, debating, raising voices -- or ceasing to talk to one another altogether. And when that's not productive, then what?
That's when you can try something relatively new: Elder mediation.
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Good Read
The Parent Care Conversation by Dan Taylor provides many valuable tips and dispels a lot of myths regarding long-term-care planning. By addressing the emotional challenges and then integrating practical and financial resources, Mr. Taylor provides a very helpful guide for anyone dealing with challenges of aging parents. The book includes conversations about the big-picture, money, property, the house, professional care and legacies.
The Parent Care Conversation: Six Strategies for Dealing with the Emotional and Financial Challenges of AgingParents
by Dan Taylor by Penguin (Non-Classics)
Paperback
List Price: $14.00
Our Price: $4.87
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Upcoming Alzheimer's Association Education
Colorado Chapter - Alzheimer's Association
20th Annual Education Symposium
We are proud to be a part of the Colorado Chapter 20th Annual Educational Symposium. This year, the Symposium is on Friday, May 8th. ELDEResolutions will be presenting a breakout session titled "Easing the Tough Conversations: Mediating Family Disputes." Please join us and inform your client families, too.
Colorado Chapter - Alzheimer's Association
4th Annual Early Stage Forum
Memory Loss, Dementia & Alzheimer's
On Saturday, May 16th, The Alzheimer's Association has created a separate day-long forum of learning, networking and sharing for people with early memory loss, their family and friends as well as healthcare professionals. Keynote Speaker Dr. Gene Cohen will present on Innovative Quality of Life Interventions for Alzheimer's Disease, with a breakout session on Creativity and Aging. A Town Hall session provides an opportunity for the audience to share their thoughts and experiences
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Our Presentations
UPCOMING
April 16, 2009 Presentation to Ombudsman Tier 2 Training, DRCOG
May 8, 2009 Alzheimer's Association Symposium
Click here for more information
May 21, 2009 Financial Management Group
September 13, 2009 Senior Sundays Presentation at Tattered Cover hosted by Clare Bridge Highlands Ranch
PREVIOUS
June 25, 2008, Colorado Alliance of Geriatric Care Managers, Elder Mediation and Geriatric Care Managers - Differences and Similarities
August 1, 2008, Community Resource Forum, Easing the Tough Conversations - Eldercare Conflicts and Mediation
October 2, 2008 Seniors' Resource Group, How Elder Mediation can Ease the Tough Conversations
November 25, 2008, Southwest Coalition for Senior Services, How Elder Mediation Could Help Your Clients and Residents
January 8, 2009, Women's Estate Planning Council, Elder Mediation - Easing the Tough Conversations
March 26, 2009, KGNU Radio show - Elder and Intergenerational Conflicts featuring Debbie Reinberg (ELDEResolutions), Martha Ridgway (Martha Ridgway Law) and Louise Phipps Senft (Baltimore Mediation) Download or listen to the radio show (start at minute 37)
April 2, 2009 Highlands Ranch Senior Outreach Services |
One of the many things no one tells you about aging is that it is such a nice change from being young.
-- Will Rogers
Please feel to contact us if you believe we may be of service to facilitate any elder-related conflict you are aware of. And, remember that it is always better to work towards resolve early in the process. Thank you! Very truly,
Debbie and John
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