Why is Elder Mediation Different?

10 Jan

There are many aspects of a mediating process in an elder ethnic community and family setting. The ‘title’ of this setting is complex enough and would need an anthropological study to unpack its multiple facets.

In a webinar, which I recently held for EMAN and throughout which I was supported and encouraged by my NZ colleague Anna Quinn, I focussed on discussing the key aspects of one of my cases.

In this blog post, I outline only the most significant aspects of the elder ethnic family setting that I have witnessed in this particular matter:

Cultural beliefs, values and traditions - such as, in this instance:

(1) brother – sister relationship

(2) husband - wife relationship, and

(3) husband - brother-in-law relationship:

openness
manipulation
capacity
?? abuse (financial, physical, emotional?)

Gender and beliefs

•Needing to ‘provide’ for a woman

•Complex ethnic-specific family relationships

•Emotional dependence on both life partner and brother

Health and care

•Acceptance (or NOT) of the outside of the home/family care provision

•Awareness (or the lack of) of the existing resources, provided by the local, State or Commonwealth Government.

Language barrier

Significant handicap in communicating with any third-party who do not speak the family / ethnic language. The importance of involving professional, qualified interpreters in the mediation process is critical.

In the next blog post I will unpack some of the above, as I witnessed them as an elder mediation practitioner.

Stay safe.

Vesna