Elder Care: Mediating family disputes over dementia
The importance of mediation is increasingly recognized in resolving family disagreements among siblings concerning the best interests of parents affected by dementia such as Alzheimer’s disease.
When an individual suffers from dementia, behavior changes often create frightening and dangerous circumstances. Unsafe driving, confusions about medications, uncharacteristic emotional or physical spousal abuse, or wandering away from home are not unusual occurrences.
Legitimate safety concerns arise, both for the individual suffering with the dementia as well as for caregivers and others who could be affected. Change can be legally complicated and emotionally difficult.