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FAQs
What
is mediation?
Mediation
is a voluntary process that makes use of a neutral, third-party to facilitate
communication between people engaged in a dispute.
In what area is the Long-Term Care Mediation Program available?
The Long-Term Care Mediation Program is available in all nursing homes and assisted living facilities throughout Harris County as long as the dispute is appropriate for mediation and all parties agree to have the dispute mediated.
How can I make a referral to the Long-Term Care Mediation Program?
Anyone can make a referral to the Long-Term Care Mediation Program. Just call the Harris County Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program at 713-500-9931 and ask to speak to the Mediation Coordinator. The Mediation Coordinator will ask you a few questions regarding the dispute and then contact all parities to the dispute and invite them to participate. If all parties agree to the mediation then a date will be scheduled for the mediation.
Who Mediates?
All
of the program mediators are experienced third-party neutrals. The mediator’s
role is to facilitate the process and help the parties come to together
to work through any differences.
Mediators working with the program understand the complexities of disputes arising in long term care settings. They are familiar with the aging process, residents rights, and the family dynamics associated with long term care placement.
The LTC mediator pool consists of experienced professionals who have completed 40 hours of mediation training. The mediators are trained to listen carefully, help clarify issues, and assist in resolving differences.
Who can request
mediation?
A resident,
their family or a facility staff member can request mediation services.
A mediation coordinator located at the UT-Houston School of Nursing, Center
on Aging handles intake. The coordinator identifies the participants and
the process, contacts all the parties, explains how mediation works, sets
up a time for the mediation, and conducts a face-to-face assessment of
the ability of the long term care resident to participate. Should the
resident need additional supports or accommodations in order to participate,
the coordinator arranges those.
What types
of disputes can be mediated?
Care
planning issues, follow through on recommended care plans, resident to
resident disputes, issues involving family/staff communication and other
concerns about quality of care.
in Long Term Care
Copyright 2006
The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston
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