Family Dynamics and Aging: Navigating Family Conflict with Mediator Kimberly Best

Taking care of our elderly loved ones often brings a rainbow of emotions and a variety of challenges. It's not easy - many families are caught off guard by decisions that aging involves, from choosing the right healthcare options to resolving family disagreements. How can we navigate these turbulent waters and ensure that our elderly family members live their final years with dignity and respect? Mediation and proactive planning can provide essential guidance.

 

Kimberly is an RN, an experienced mediator, and the founder of Best Conflict Solutions. With a Master's degree in conflict management and extensive training in various mediation techniques, Kimberly is dedicated to helping families find optimal solutions that honor everyone's needs and wishes. In this episode, Kimberly and Anna talk about how tricky it can be when families get older, why it's important to plan ahead for aging, and how mediation can help sort out disagreements.

 

Quotes:

• "Most people don't wake up one day and decide today's the day they're going to die." - Kimberly Best
• "The aging process is bumpy, even for the closest-knit families." - Annalee Kruger
• "Quality of life is really important, but it's often at odds with the word safety." - Kimberly Best

 

Takeaways:

• Families need to talk about aging and end-of-life preferences early on to avoid crises and make sure everyone's wishes are respected.
• Safety matters, but it's just as important to ensure the individual's autonomy and fulfilling experiences aren't compromised.
• Professional mediation can guide families through tough talks, manage disagreements, and find solutions everyone can agree on.
• Documenting life stories can offer comfort and continuity for future generations, making end-of-life planning more impactful.
• Seeing conflicts as problems needing solutions, not battles to win, can result in more efficient and less confrontational outcomes.

 

Conclusion:

Handling family disagreements, especially as our loved ones grow older, really shines a light on how important it is to chat openly and plan ahead. It shows us that, even though family dynamics can be a bit tricky and tough at times, tackling conflicts straight on with a kind heart and some solid mediation skills can make relationships stronger and life a bit more enjoyable.

 

Resources:

Annalee’s LinkedIn

Care Right Inc. Website

Website Episode

Learn more about The Elder Planning Specialist designation and certification program at Plan for Life Now

 

Guest Links:

Kimberly's LinkedIn

Kimberly's Website