Elder mediation and counselling can help families resolve complex challenges related to ageing.
Relationships Australia Tasmania’s Elder Relationship Services provide a safe, respectful and listening environment. They help families discuss important issues such as:
- medical care decisions
- having difficult conversations
- transferring property
- financial matters
- moving to shared or residential aged care.
You can attend a services on your own, with your partner, or as a family. Alternatively, your adult children can attend by themselves.
Attending an Elder Relationship Service is voluntary and confidential. The decisions you make are not legally binding. If you would like to put your agreements in writing, your practitioner can assist you with this.
What is elder mediation?
Elder mediation is a process facilitated by professional elder mediators that aims to assist older people, their families and significant others with difficult conversations. Mediation can help families to make plans and resolve disagreements. The focus of elder mediation is to ensure that outcomes respect the rights and enhance the safety of older people.
What is elder counselling?
Elder counselling gives you the support to address and navigate issues such as the impact of elder abuse; grief and loss; loneliness; entering retirement; caring for a disabled partner or child; or reconciliation with family members.
Relationships Australia staff
Relationships Australia counsellors and mediators have professional qualifications and experience in social work, psychology, mediation, law and/or counselling. They have been trained in elder mediation and counselling. Staff providing Elder Relationship Services receive professional supervision and on-going training.
How much do Elder Relationship Services cost?
Elder Relationship Services clients pay a flat fee that is reduced for concession card holders.
First session $40 (or $20 concession)
Sessions $60 (or $30 concession)
Make an appointment
Elder mediation and counselling services are offered in a number of Relationships Australia Tasmania centres.
Contact Relationships Australia on 1300 364 277 to find your nearest centre.
You do not need a referral to use these services. Waiting times for an appointment vary according to the current demand for services and your availability.
For more information see the Relationships Australia Tasmania website.