Easing the Tough Conversations
SEPTEMBER, 2010 |
We are excited to offer our Workshop on Conflict Management Skills on October 15th at St. Andrews Village. We also are bringing our Skills Training directly to organizations - please let us know if you are curious!
Learn about The Magic of Conflict by Thomas Crum, a classic tome on conflict, based on Aikido.
Enjoy!
Debbie and John
info@elderesolutions.com
www.elderesolutions.com
303/268-2280
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Helping Families Find Harmony
 When families disagree over the care of elder loved ones, it is often difficult to know who to turn to for guidance.
Some families avoid conflicts, perhaps hoping that they will magically d i s a p p e a r.
Others may get more entrenched in their positions, further alienating each other. Sometimes this leads to legal action - keeping a wedge between family members for years. Often, the old hurts from years past come to the surface, interrupting the potential for stability and resolve. These emotions may lead to mistrust and lack of hope to resolve differences amicably.
Untended conflicts often escalate. No wonder families are reluctant to engage a mediator. Perhaps they think: "Why should we pay somebody to watch us fight?"
We have found that people are often misinformed about mediation or facilitated conversations. They lack knowledge about how a facilitative process can actually help families reach greater harmony.
Mediators bring a lot to the table to assist families reach accord:
- Mediators are expert in facilitating positive communication.
- Good facilitation allows family members to say what they feel is important and to hear what is being said, in a new way.
- Mediators are impartial; they do not take sides.
- Mediators provide a structure so discussions are respectful and everyone has a chance to speak.
- Mediators help families define common interests and reach agreements that work for all.
- Elder mediators integrate conflict management skills with specific knowledge about elder care issues, resources and solutions.
If you know someone who could benefit from a more harmonious relationship or if you are involved in a difficult family situation yourself, give us a call! We help families learn to resolve current conflict and even avoid to future conflict! We would love to talk with you! |
Colorado Designated Beneficiary Agreement Act
(C.R.S. 15-22-101 to 112)
A law that you should know about went into effect on July 1, 2009. This law provides a way for unrel ated people to exercise free choice and make contractual agreements about their care in case of capacity, emergencies, death or administration of a decedent's estate. Although this law has commonly been used by same sex couples to allow them the same rights as married couples, it also works for other situations.
What is a Designated Beneficiary Agreement? A contract between two people ensuring certain rights and financial protections based upon the completed document. To be legally enforceable it must be properly recorded at the county Clerk and Recorder's office.
Who can enter into a Designated Beneficiary Agreement? Any two people who are both at least 18 years old, are competent to enter into a legal contract, are unmarried, and not a party to another designated beneficiary agreement. Both must enter into the designated beneficiary agreement without force, fraud, or duress.
To learn more about this important law, visit: www.designatedbeneficiaries.org |
Conflict Management
Skills Training
for Eldercare Professionals
October 15, 2010
8:00 am - 4:30 pm
(networking/breakfast 8:00 am - 8:30 am)
St. Andrews Village
13801 E. Yale Ave.
Aurora, CO 80014
Training geared to professionals working in marketing/admissions, clinical/direct services, social services, legal services, management roles or anyone with face-to-face interaction with older adults and their families.
Learn about:
* Conflict Management Styles * Anatomy of Conflicts
* Impact of Aging on Conflict
Comments from participants:
"I feel like I have more tools and a better idea how to generally address conflicts with families."
"Presenters are clearly very qualified, which increased participants' investment in presented material"
Role plays, demonstrations and exercises - very interactive!
$ 150 ($ 130 early bird - by Oct. 1, 2010)
$ 90 for volunteer ombudsman
Includes breakfast, lunch and all materials
CLE application in process
Click here for more information online!
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Good Read
The Magic of Conflict: Turning a Life of Work into a Work of Art
by Thomas F. Crum
List Price: $16.99
Our Price: $7.78
In The Magic of Conflict: Turning a Life of Work into a Work of Art, Thomas F. Crum shows how to make conflict an opportunity for choice and change. Based on the philosophy of aikido, a Japanese martial art, Crum's book mixes theory and practice with anecdotes and exercises that will help the reader resolve the conflicts of everyday life and turn frustration into fascination. The principles of Crum's unique Aiki Approach to the Artistry of Living can work at every level of life, at home or in the office, and between individuals and nations.
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Denver Probate Court Establishes Volunteer Mediation Program
Probate Judge Jean Stewart, in concert with a Colorado Bar Association Committee of people interested in elder mediation, introduced a new program for indigent, pro se (without an attorney) parties. Cases assigned to mediation by the Judge include guardianship cases for children and older adults.
We have been delighted to be involved with the creation of this program and both John and Debbie have provided their expertise for cases.
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