Ageing in the Family Workshop
Later Life Mediation assists families in dealing with the challenges related to ageing through mediation and coaching. Our experience of facilitating conversations in families over the last two years has inspired us to facilitate this Workshop which enables participants to understand and deal proactively with the challenges associated with ageing in the family.
Programme
10.00am to 4.00pm
Registration from 9.30am, tea and coffee provided
Morning
The Sandwich Generation; challenges of changing circumstances in the family
Ageing Parents/Loved Ones – issues and tips
Handling communication with siblings and parents effectively
Lunch
Lunch is not provided. Participants are free to bring a light lunch. Tea, coffee and biscuits will be provided.
Afternoon
Adult children of ageing parents; understanding the emotional journey and keeping potentially harmful emotional responses at bay
Understanding and managing family dynamics around major decisions and the organising and giving of support/care for parents
Methodology
The Workshop will consist of input from Facilitators, small group work, a private reflection activity, DVD extracts and large group discussions.
What will I have gained by the end of the Workshop?
An understanding of the family dynamics and communication issues which can arise and how best to handle these
An insight into the emotional journey involved in the ageing process and the management of potentially harmful emotions
A plan for next steps towards making key decisions in your family
Facilitators
Helen Harnett is an internationally-accredited Elder Mediator (Elder Mediation International Network) experienced in working with older people and their families. An MII accredited Mediator since 2005, she provides Conflict Resolution services to a wide range of organisations. She is a Certified Conflict Coach and an experienced trainer. She lectures in Intercultural Communication in DCU.
Brian O’Neill helps families to deal with some of the difficult issues that arise as we get older. A delegate at the 2011 and 2012 World Summits on Elder Mediation in Bern and Glasgow, Brian is highly committed to the ongoing development of Elder Mediation in Ireland. He is an internationally-accredited Elder Mediator (Elder Mediation International Network).