Elder Mediation

Later-life disagreements rarely begin as legal disputes. They may begin with a fall, a diagnosis, a joint bank account, a care arrangement that no longer works, or a difficult family conversation postponed for too long. Written from Hong Kong and informed by international research and professional practice, this book presents elder mediation as a specialist, person-centred and safeguarded process for navigating the complex decisions that can arise in later life. The book explores ageing and ageism; changing family relationships and intergenerational responsibility; dementia, capacity and supported participation; elder abuse and safeguarding; caregiving, residential care and ageing in place; and end-of-life care, dying in place and farewell. It also examines the legal and financial architecture surrounding later-life planning in Hong Kong, including enduring powers of attorney, advance care planning, advance medical directives, wills, probate, guardianship and financial arrangements. Through practical frameworks, illustrative scenarios, reflection questions and chapter takeaways, readers will learn how elder mediation can help make hidden assumptions visible, clarify responsibilities, support the older person’s participation, identify risk, reduce conflict and turn vague intentions into practical, reviewable plans. Just as importantly, the book explains when elder mediation should be adapted, paused or stopped, and when other professional or protective intervention is required. Accessible to older people and their families as well as mediators, lawyers, doctors and other healthcare professionals, social workers, psychologists, care and hospice professionals, bankers and financial advisers, this is both a practical introduction to an emerging field and an invitation to approach ageing differently: to talk earlier, listen better and plan more honestly, while keeping dignity, safety and the older person’s voice at the centre.