What is "Elder Mediation"?
What does that term really mean, and does it have a legitimate claim on impacting a reduction in the incidence of elder abuse and neglect?
Elder Mediation is a process in which a professionally trained Elder Mediator utilizes a “mediation process model” to address issues and concerns involving an older adult. In some cases, an older adult who is vulnerable may be at the heart of the mediation but in other cases the mediation might be called to reduce or prevent vulnerability of the older person.
Elder Mediation is based on a wellness model that promotes a person-centred approach for all participants; it is mindful of the older person(s) while respecting the rights of each person participating. Regardless of the numbers present, each person is unique with his or her own narrative, intrinsic value, strengths and weaknesses. Through the Elder Mediation lens, aging is viewed as part of a continuing process of development and change, rather than just a period of physical and cognitive decline.
What to expect in the course...
This Elder Mediation Training is a specialized online course with 15-hours of training featuring Judy and special guests Claire Koch, Ayne Meiklem, Fiona Tait, Megan Frost, Sue Wotton & Winnie Chan. The training includes, lectures, interviews, activities, role plays, video demonstrations and readings. Utilizing a person-centered and trauma informed model, the course will share with participants many of the skills, knowledge and competencies required to be an effective Elder Mediator. An added value in this course is the inclusion of an individual coaching session with the Course Instructor.
Note: The current offering is Section Two of ongoing training for those working toward building their Elder Mediation certification hours with either Family Mediation Canada or the Elder Mediation International Network. Prospective participants are strongly encouraged to complete Elder Mediation Training (Section One - 20 hours) prior to registering for Section Two. Refer to more information below in the "Featured Products" section.
Module One
- Focus on grief and loss within Elder Mediation
- Define grief and loss, anticipatory grief, and bereavement
- Review challenges in maintaining balance of power & keeping the experience fair, just and equitable
- Explore the emotional, physical, and cognitive aspects of grief
- Discuss the importance of creating a safe, compassionate, empathic and nonjudgmental Elder Mediation environment
- Ethical considerations as it relates to grief
- Lived examples of grief in Elder Mediation
Module Two
- Review the cyclical & emotional nature of grief and its varying manifestations
- Review the unique challenges associated with grieving before a loss occurs
- Review literature on mourning and the nature of the grieving process
- Define grief concepts and the importance of strength-based conversations
- Review strategies for supporting individuals experiencing anticipatory grief or ambiguous loss
- Explore the individual differences in grieving styles and experiences – through lived examples and actual cases
- Focus on resilience and emotion through the grief lens
- Utilizing a Palliative Care example to identify grief related resources
Module Three
- Grieving styles and the complexities of complicated grief
- Trauma and its impact on grief in the Elder Mediation process
- Ageing, ageism, power imbalances & Intergenerational relationships through the lens of grief
- Cultural contexts, religions, culturally informed trauma and balancing power
- Importance of cultural sensitivity and respect for diverse backgrounds
- Risk factors in dementia, capacity, health care, and the “isms”
- Lived examples in the Elder Mediation context
Who should attend: Those wishing to learn about Elder Mediation, Family, wills and estate mediators; Psychologists, Physicians, nurses and other health care professionals, Social Workers, Lawyers practicing in the area of elder law, wills, estates and trusts. This training may also be of interest to other professions who are interested in mediation generally and in working with age related matters.
Meet Your Instructor...
Judy M. Beranger
M.A., B.Ed, B.A., Cert.FMC Comprehensive, Cert.EM Advanced
Judy is recognized as a world leader in the field of Elder Mediation. She is an inspiring and knowledgeable trainer and was the drafter of the Code of Ethics for Elder Mediators internationally. She has been involved with every subsequent update and helped write an additional supporting document: Safeguarding Vulnerable Adults. Judy developed the entire Elder MediationCertification framework and process for Elder Mediators and did so over a two-year period with input from hundreds of people from a variety of countries along with Family Mediation Canada (FMC), other organizations, networks, and Societies. Judy is Past President of FMC and President of the Elder Mediation International Network (EMIN).
With special guest contributions from:
Claire Koch, Australia
Ayne Meiklem, Ireland
Fiona Tait, Australia
Megan Frost, Australia
Sue Wotton, Australia
Winnie Chan, Hong Kong
Featured Products
