While many families exhibit great skill in the commencement and escalation of disputes, few seem as talented when it comes to resolving these same disputes. Mediation is professionally assisted negotiation, and represents an increasingly accepted alternative when it comes to settling disagreements that may otherwise be decided by litigation.  It is a confidential and privileged process in which all parties must agree to participate.  The facilitator is neutral and guides the process toward reasonable and mutually acceptable options.

Clinical Mediation is a specialized form of this highly effective tool.  The facilitator is a trained nurse, social worker or professional counselor, who is clinically experienced in managing the problems faced by special needs populations.  Most often, we are called in to settle disputes in which a disabled child or adult is involved.  Whether the disability is triggered by age, developmental issues, traumatic injury or mental illness, these at-risk family members are frequently unable to consistently care for themselves and sometimes incapable of making decisions regarding care.   At times of transition, especially, other family members may register strong opinions as to what the next care, placement or educational choice should be for the loved one with special needs – and, not surprisingly, these family members don’t always agree with respect to what those choices should be.

Clinical Mediators specialize in resolving disputes centered on:

Complex medical issues

Personal injury cases

Multiple intervention failures

Chronic mental illness

Care or education options

Guardianship

End of life decisions

Clinical Mediation is person-centered and utilizes the clinician’s expertise to protect all concerned, consider the unique wishes, history and needs of the family member with special needs, and to maintain focus on:

• Self-Determination
• Confidentiality
• Collaboration
• Reasonable and acceptable options
• Good faith interactions
• Voluntary participation
• Responsibility

Lifecare Innovations specializes in Clinical Mediation and can help at the mediation table in a variety of ways.  We do not always play the role of Clinical Mediator, but sometimes act as consultants at the table when someone else (often an attorney) facilitates the process.  We can help as…..

Participants in the Architecture of mediation by:

· Coordinating competency testing

· Managing medical/rehabilitation evaluations

· Creating client-centered Life Care Plans with a team of clinical experts

· Analyzing cost of care for present and future needs

Facilitators in Mediations for those with Special Needs by:

· Providing professional mediators with clinical and vocational expertise

· Conducting mediation sessions

· Creating a memorandum of understanding

· Coordinating with the legal team to ratify an agreement

Resources during and after mediation by:

· Reviewing  funding options including insurance, entitlements, and special programs

· Guiding parties through residence and placement issues

· Providing logistical planning and coordination for distribution of personal  property

· Supervising visitation in difficult situations

· Assisting with parenting support, especially during transitional times

· Coaching clients with special needs as they seek jobs

· Serving as third party guardian of estate and/or person when warranted

Our team of mediators is led by Shay Jacobson, RN, MA, NMG.   She is an expert in Lifecare
Management, has served as a consultant and expert witness for complex personal injury cases, and is founder and President of Lifecare Innovations, Inc. and Lifecare Guardianship, Inc., companies serving all ages of clients who are challenged by disabilities.  She is on the National Guardianship Association committee to set national education standards for assisting clients with disabilities.

The Lifecare team is comprised of social workers, nurses and professional counselors who have a proven track record of solving the layered, often complicated problems confronted by those with special needs, issues of aging, medical setbacks resulting from injury, or mental illness.

Please call 630-953-2154 to schedule a complimentary consultation, or email us at contactus@lcius.com