How Do Elder Mediators Help Solve Conflicts in APS Cases?

What Is an Elder Mediator and How Do They Help Us All in APS Cases?

Okay, let’s talk about something a little tricky, the role an elder mediator plays way out here in Adult Protective Services (APS) cases. Now, if you hear this term, elder mediator, it can sound kinda fancy, don’t you think? It might even sound a bit confusing, like you’re supposed to be an expert at all things related to old age on top of being a mediator. But let me explain: the truth is, elder mediators aren't expected to know all the complex details inside out or hold a fancy degree, not necessarily.

Their main job, their whole reason for being involved, is to help people talk together. Think about it, right? These cases, APS cases, can get incredibly complicated. There are big feelings on the line, misunderstandings can build up, and sometimes it feels like a standoff. An elder mediator steps into that situation with the sole purpose of helping everybody involved – the older person, family members, maybe caregivers or social workers – to talk effectively, share their thoughts, and figure out a way ahead.

It’s about facilitating communication. That’s the core thing. So what does that really mean? Imagine three people standing still in a room, not sure how to start a conversation. The mediator doesn’t take sides or tell them what to do. They don’t go judge these people or dictate solutions like a referee calling penalties. No, instead, they act as a guide. They might start by suggesting a way forward or a topic to talk about. They help manage the conversation so everyone gets a chance to speak. They ensure the person who feels most vulnerable or unsure gets some space to say what's really on their mind in a comfortable, safe way.

This process is surprisingly powerful. When someone feels heard, that can be a game-changer. For instance, let's say there are family arguments bubbling away about care plans or living arrangements, and the older person in the middle is confused or scared. That’s a perfect situation for an elder mediator. The mediator creates the space for everyone to talk, really listen, and share their perspective without the pressure of who is “right”.

Now, people sometimes mix these roles up. Just so we're clear, elder mediators are not stepping into the courtroom and ordering a decision, like you see in a real court case. Arbitration, that’s a different, much more formal process where a third party makes a ruling, and it’s usually binding. That’s the job for lawyers and courts, not for the mediator.

Also, sometimes I hear people suggest an elder mediator should take on the role of a financial advisor or just keep tabs on the person’s situation. Look, the mediator’s focus is on the people interactions and helping get things moving. While understanding some of what’s happening might be part of their awareness, jumping to assessing financials or giving legal counsel definitely isn’t their beat. That’s what social workers and financial planners are trained for.

Another thing to remember is that the elder mediator isn’t here to take the blame or replace decisions being made by the APS team. Their role is supportive. They help keep things flowing between the different parts of the case, ensuring that, for example, the family knows what the APS worker thinks is next, and the APS worker clearly understands what the family needs.

Think about a real-life scenario. Maybe an older person needs support with medications, but the family isn't stepping up, and now the care worker is stuck. An elder mediator can come in, talk to the family and the care worker separately first, maybe gently guide them towards understanding why communication is breaking down, and then help set up a meeting where everyone looks at the problem together, maybe even helping draft a plan. This isn't about the mediator saying “do this,” but using skills to find a way the family is comfortable with, getting a little action moving.

It's not for everyone. Mediation requires a certain level of willingness to engage in dialogue and reach a resolution, often with a view to peace and understanding. Sometimes, in a very difficult case where trust is completely broken or there’s a power imbalance that makes dialogue impossible or unsafe, mediation might not be suitable or even appropriate. The goal is always something positive and constructive, but it won’t work in every single situation.

So, to circle back to where we started: the role of an elder mediator in APS cases boils down to this: they’re here to guide the process, focusing on communication and collaboration. They help create space for voices to be heard and shared understanding to deepen, all with the hope of finding solutions that serve the best interests of the older person involved and the community around them. They help untangle misunderstandings without getting tangled in legal battles, all through that very specific, vital act of facilitating communication.