Maplewood Ethics Dilemmas Outline

CAREGIVING FOR THOSE WITH DEMENTIA: ETHICS & DILEMMAS LESSON OUTLINE INTRODUCTION TO DEMENTIA • Dementia is a chronic disease characterized by progressive changes in memory, thinking, comprehension, judgement and learning capacity. • 50 million individuals worldwide have dementia with 10 million new cases each year. • Caregivers are often faced with ethical dilemmas as individuals with dementia progress through each stage of the disease. ETHICAL PRINCIPLES AND VALUES IN CAREGIVING • Autonomy and Well-Being > Autonomy refers to the ability and practice of being able to make decisions about life, healthcare, and treatment. > Those with dementia have the right to maintain their autonomy, despite a diagnosis. • Beneficence > All healthcare decisions made by providers and caregivers should be rooted in kindness and patient-centered. • Justice > Those with dementia should not be seen simply as victims of disease. > People with dementia may need assistance but should be included as people with their own views and contributions to society. • Truthfulness > Healthcare providers and caregivers should honor truth but also consider what is best for dementia patients—long-term needs or day-to-day happiness. ETHICAL CONFLICTS AND DILEMMAS: 1. Respect for Autonomy > As cognitive abilities decline, respecting an individual’s autonomy can often conflict with their ability to make sound decisions and pose safety concerns. > A dementia diagnosis is not enough to restrict the right to autonomy. > Caregivers should seek to respect an individual’s autonomy by evaluating the patient’s values and consulting with trusted surrogates.