As life expectancy continues to increase, older adults may experience diminished mental capacity and have growing needs for healthcare, assistance with activities of daily living, socialization, and planned recreation.  Families are often unable to cope with the required care giving responsibilities.  Health and safety issues become prominent.  Decisions regarding personal care, health care, and living arrangements, e.g., assisted living facilities or retirement communities, need to be made.  Subjects of power of attorney and conservatorship over estate and person are often taboo.  These critical issues may not be addressed until there is a medical crisis that forces decision-making during a time of severe family stress.

The transition of older adults from independence to increasing dependence is a major family life transition.  Elder care family mediation is an effective process for making life transition decisions prior to the onset of a crisis.  Family members are convened in a cooperative, goal-directed atmosphere.  Each family member has the opportunity to express her feelings and views in the family setting or in a private mediation session.  Decisions about future care and family responsibilities are made jointly.  Other professionals may be invited to attend to lend their expertise in such areas as financial planning and geriatric case management.

The documented result of elder care family mediation is a written agreement, a Memorandum of Understanding that details the agreed upon roles and responsibilities of each family member, now and in the future.  The family can decide to make this mediated agreement legally binding or non-binding.

Issues surrounding fees, appropriateness and quality of care, and neglect and abuse may arise between residents or families and institutional care providers, e.g., assisted living facilities, skilled nursing facilities, and adult health care centers.  Mediation offers an effective and expedient mechanism for resolving these conflicts and  establishing sound care plans for the future. 

Dr. Grether has over 25 years experience in working with older adults and their families in community, residential retirement communities, and long-term care settings.  He was the recipient of the Governor presented Partnership Award of the Coalition of Geriatric Services for outstanding service to older adults and geriatric organizations in the State of Maryland.  He has also guided statewide policy development as a Member of the Board of Directors of the Maryland Assisted Living Association.

Fees

The hourly fee for all other mediation with Dr. Grether ranges from $220.00 to $280.00. There is a two-hour minimum for the first mediation session, unless other arrangements are made.  Additional time is billed and paid in one-tenth hour increments.  Preparation time, telephone conferences, document review, and out-of-area travel time is reimbursed at the hourly rate.  Out-of-area travel and facility expenses are reimbursed at actual cost. 

Fees for each mediation session and accrued expenses are paid five (5) business days prior to each appointment by check, cash, MasterCard, Visa, or Discover. Firm Fixed-Priced Project Mediation is offered as a means to save money.

Balances & Credits

In the event the total fees and costs exceed the initial deposit, a final balance due will be allocated equally among the parties, unless otherwise agreed. Final payment shall be due within five (5) business days of concluding the mediation.  In the event the total fees and costs are less than the initial deposit, once the minimum charge of two (2) hours has been deducted, the credit balance amount will be allocated equally among the parties, unless otherwise agreed. Refunds will be made directly to each party or their respective representatives within five (5) business days of concluding the mediation.

Cancellation or Postponement

Notification of cancellation or postponement received less than three (3) business days before the scheduled mediation session shall be subject to a cancellation or postponement fee of $250. If Dr. Grether is able to schedule another mediation for the previously reserved mediation time, the cancellation or postponement fee will be waived and the amount paid will be refunded as a means of saving money.

JUST SOLUTIONS provides nationwide service via TeleMediation (phone mediation). Dr. Grether has offices in Carlsbad and La Jolla that are conveniently located to San Diego, Orange & Riverside Counties.