Crafting an Elder Care Agreement — Gradient Resolutions

Caring for an aging loved one can be a beautiful act of love, but it can also lead to conflict. This one-pager will guide you through creating a Family Elder Care Agreement — a roadmap to navigate these challenges with clarity and respect.

Why you should mediate an elder care agreement

Benefits	Everyone understands their role and responsibilities
Financial transparency	Open communication about expenses and resources
Reduced conflict	Planning ahead minimizes tension and disagreements
Peace of mind	Know your loved one will be well cared for

Laura Lorber, J.D.: your guide through family conflict

Laura empowers families facing elder care decisions: she guides open communication and creates personalized care agreements, easing stress and ensuring a dignified journey for your loved ones.

Here's what makes Laura stand out:

Focus on family support: Laura's goal is to empower families to move beyond conflict and focus on supporting each other.

Experience with elder care: her experience volunteering with Jewish Family Services' Elder Care branch gives her valuable insight into family dynamics during this life stage.

Understanding generational differences: Laura recognizes how different generations approach family, traditions, and obligations.

Respectful communication: she guides family conversations with respect and understanding.

Founding member of the Elder Care Coalition: formed by seven entrepreneurial women who realized they could better serve elders and their families by working together — because it takes a village to support a family.

The elements of an elder care agreement

Living arrangements	Where will your loved one live? Will a sibling move in? What will their rent or compensation be?
Financial management	Who oversees finances? How will resources be allocated for caregiving and living expenses?
Caretaking responsibilities	Who will provide care? Will they be paid? Hours of care and coverage for absences?
Medical decisions	Who has powers of attorney for healthcare or financial issues?
Future asset distributions	It is important to consider the sacrifices made by siblings who serve as primary caretakers, alongside the benefits they receive, like living rent-free or using a family car. This becomes especially important when there are assets to distribute after your parents' passing.