A Call for More Preventative Measures to Protect Elderly Citizens

As the population ages, a University of South Australia researcher is warning the number of elder abuse cases will also increase and is calling for more preventative measures to be put in place, such as elder mediation, to protect our elderly citizens.

In this article, Adjunct Associate Professor Dale Bagshaw writes that elderly citizens are vulnerable to a number of types of abuse, ranging from psychological to physical, but it is financial abuse that is the most often reported.  She says mediation can be a viable option for both the prevention and early intervention of elder abuse.

“Mediation has proven to be a successful strategy to address elder abuse. It provides an opportunity for family members and significant others to get to together to make plans or to have difficult conversations facilitated by an impartial third party."

“The mediator can ensure everyone’s needs are met and the interests, rights and safety of the older person are taken into account in decision-making."

“An older-person-centred mediation approach puts the safety of our older citizens first and makes sure their rights are upheld, especially when their capacity to do so themselves might be impaired for any number of reasons."

If you or someone you know could benefit from structured assistance in family decision making, contact Falmouth Mediation at 508-566-4159 for a free, no-obligation, private, confidential consultation. We will be happy to discuss the key details of your situation, address any concerns and help you decide if elder mediation would be beneficial.