Families First Mediation has adapted the Hear the Child, Voice of the Child and Screening processes to create Voice of the Senior(VoS)
We know the importance of including the older adults voice in decision making processes and look to gather their wishes, interests and views on the issues brought to us. This process engages the older adult to the extent that they can be involved. In a preventative manner we use our Dispute Prevention Process and when a dispute has already occurred (or is occurring) we use the Voice of the Senior process.
The VoS process:
- Screens for a variety of concerns which includes abuse, coercive control, power imbalances, undue influence and capacity.
- Screens for suitability of process and the older adults ability to participate (negotiation, mediation, litigation).
- Can support the older adult advocating for their own voice or their own wishes.
- Can produce a VoS report for use in other processes such as mediation and litigation.
The process generally involves 3 interactions with the older adult, by phone, video and in person if possible. During these mediations we are screening and looking for consistency. We are capturing their wishes, their understanding of information, their reasoning for decisions, and their understanding of the consequences of those decisions. Additional meetings with family, support persons and/or health practitoners can be scheduled as needed.
This is a non-evaluative process completed by a neutral third party (trained in working with older adults in disputes). The process can help the older adult advocate for their wishes and/or report on their views. The older adult has control over what they share (to the extent that they can).
Should the VoS report be requested, it does not contain any recommendations or opinions of the interviewer. The interviewer may meet with the family or legal counsel upon request to discuss dispute resolutions options however.
The Voice of the Senior process can be used BEFORE or AFTER a capacity assessment. We know that capacity assessments a) have the power to take rights away from an older adult b) are based on health definitions and c)are not all or nothing. The Voice of the Senior process can help legal counsel or family members ascertain whether a formal capacity assessment may be warranted, provide a deeper understanding of the adult’s wishes, identify safety concerns and their ability to make specific decisions about their care, finances and well-being.
Rates for the Voice of the Senior process are $300/hour plus HST for interactions/meetings and the writing of the report is $550 plus HST.
Please call us for more information, we are happy to customize the process to accommodate your unique needs and provide more information.