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Health & Fitness

NSSC Hosts Family Dynamics and Conflicts in Aging Life Care Planning

North Shore Senior Center program will offer insights into family conflicts with older family members on Thursday morning, June 20

(Photo courtesy of North Shore Senior Center, Northfield, IL.)

Conflicts often arise when families are involved in plans as family members age. To help families learn how to sort out these issues, North Shore Senior Center will host “Family Dynamics and Conflicts in Aging Life Care Planning,” on Thursday, June 20 from 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m.

Struggles arise about finances, how involved an adult child is related to areas needing support, where and how an older family member lives, what support the family member needs and which adult child or sibling knows the answers.

Often there are self-proclaimed promises made or proclamations of being the favorite child. Jerry Kessler, JD, and Amy Cohen, OTR/L, will discuss how decisions are best made, how each family member is heard and how the goal of what is best for the older family member remains the focus.

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As a result of attending this live seminar, participants will:

  • Evaluate family histories and how they impact current family issues.
  • Explain what the formal mediation process looks like for common family conflicts
  • Understand how a parent's cognitive changes impact family conflict
  • Identify three practical strategies for navigating family conflict
  • Describe the legal process when there is no agreement for resolving family conflict

Register Today

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Attendance is free. CEUs for LPC/LCPCs and LSW/LCSWs for $10. Registration is required. The program will be held on Thursday, June 20 from 9:30 - 11 a.m. in NSSC's Golder Dining Room. North Shore Senior Center’s Arthur C. Nielsen, Jr. Campus, is located 161 Northfield Rd, Northfield, IL. Register online or call 847-784-6030.

About the Presenters

A full-time mediation professional, Jerry Kessler, JD, believes: “Although I am well-versed in the law, I do not tell people what to do. I focus on the parties’ needs and interests and assist them in reaching their own terms.

“Mediation is a process. There are various steps involved. I follow a mainstream model of mediation – it is applied in all sorts of disputes,” Kessler said. “I adjust the process to fit the needs of each couple – I do not use a cookie-cutter, one-size-fits-all approach.”

Amy Cohen, OTR/L is the owner and operator of ACE Senior Care Navigators, a geriatric care management company based on the North Shore of Chicago. Amy has worked in client care management for Home Instead and is a certified care manager and certified dementia practitioner.

Professionally, Amy is active with the Illinois chapter of the Aging Life Care Association, the Northwest Metro Chapter of the Illinois Continuity of Care Association, and Faith in Action.

About North Shore Senior Center

Headquartered in Northfield, North Shore Senior Center (NSSC) is a nationally accredited 501(c)(3) organization that serves older adults from the most independent to those needing more support.

NSSC serves and engages more than 24,000 older adults and their families each year throughout Chicago’s Northern Suburbs.

NSSC offers a comprehensive suite of services including a wide array of social services, specialized care for people living with dementia, therapy and counselling, personal money management services, educational and wellness programs, and volunteer opportunities. Visit: www.NSSC.org or call 847.784.6000 to learn more.

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