Case Study 4: Elder Abuse Is Not A Phenomenon That Exists On

Case Study 4elder Abuse Is Not A Phenomenon That Exist Only Between L

Case Study 4: Elder abuse is not a phenomenon that exists only between LTC staff and clients/residents; it also occurs among clients, family members, and other individuals involved in elder care. Elder abuse manifests in various forms, including physical, emotional, financial, and neglect, impacting the health and dignity of the elderly. It significantly compromises the quality of care and safety in long-term care (LTC) environments. Proper evaluation, monitoring, and intervention are critical in preventing abuse and maintaining ethical standards in elder care settings.

Paper For Above instruction

The case of Mrs. Dowd raises multiple ethical issues that require careful analysis to ensure her safety, rights, and well-being are protected within the long-term care (LTC) setting. It highlights the complex balance between respecting an elder’s autonomy, protecting them from harm, and addressing the concerns of their family members. The situation also underscores the importance of proper staff training, clear policies, and effective communication to prevent potential abuse and misinterpretation.

One of the primary ethical concerns in this case is respect for Mrs. Dowd’s autonomy and capacity to make decisions about her social interactions. Despite her severe Alzheimer’s disease, the question remains whether she is cognitively capable of understanding her actions and the implications thereof. Alzheimer’s disease can impair judgment, memory, and insight, making it crucial for staff to assess her level of cognitive competence carefully. If she is deemed capable, her freedom to interact socially may be respected within the bounds of her safety and well-being. Conversely, if her cognitive impairments limit her decision-making abilities, then guardianship principles and protective interventions may be justified.

Furthermore, the issue of elder abuse prevention comes into focus. Mr. Dowd’s reaction reveals emotional distress and possibly feelings of betrayal, but it also raises concerns about his perspective as a caregiver and family member. His demand to remove the male resident and his assertion that the LTC home is responsible for protecting his wife highlight the caregiver’s role in safeguarding residents from potential exploitation or harm, including emotional or sexual abuse. While Mr. Dowd’s concerns are valid, his insistence that no other male interactions should occur may risk overreach, infringing on his wife’s rights to social engagement and companionship, which are vital for her emotional health.

Staff members have an ethical obligation to intervene in situations where a resident’s safety or well-being is at risk. In this scenario, monitoring Mrs. Dowd’s interactions, understanding her level of cognition, and ensuring her safety without overly restricting her autonomy are essential duties. Staff must also communicate with both Mrs. Dowd and her family to clarify her capacity, explain care policies, and establish agreed-upon boundaries that promote her dignity and safety. If Mrs. Dowd is deemed to have the capacity to make informed decisions, the staff’s role shifts towards supporting her rights while ensuring her safety. Conversely, if her capacity is compromised, the staff must act in her best interests, which may include limitations on her interactions to prevent potential exploitation or harm.

The ethical responsibility of the LTC facility does not solely rest on the outcomes of a single incident but involves ongoing assessment, clear policies, staff training, and proactive engagement with residents and families. When not handled properly, such situations can escalate quickly, leading to neglect, abuse, or the infringement of resident rights. It is imperative for LTC staff to empathetically and professionally navigate these complex situations, balancing safety with respect for residents’ autonomy. Additionally, the facility must implement continuous staff education on elder abuse recognition, ethical decision-making, and communication skills to prevent and address similar incidents effectively.

In conclusion, the case of Mrs. Dowd emphasizes the importance of ethical vigilance, comprehensive assessment of residents’ cognitive capacities, effective communication with families, and adherence to ethical standards that prioritize resident rights and safety. Proper evaluation, monitoring, and staff training are essential to prevent potential abuse and ensure a respectful, safe, and supportive environment for all residents. LTC facilities must foster a culture of transparency and ethical responsibility to mitigate risks and uphold the dignity of the elderly under their care.

References

  • Acierno, R., Hernandez, M. A., Amstadter, A. B., Resnick, H. S., Steve, K., Muzzy, W., & Kilpatrick, D. G. (2010). Prevalence and correlates of elder abuse in the United States: findings from the National Elder Mistreatment Study. American Journal of Public Health, 100(2), 292-297.
  • Dong, X. (2015). Elder abuse: Research, practice, and health policy. The Gerontologist, 55(Suppl 2), S297–S308.
  • National Center on Elder Abuse. (2018). Recognizing, reporting, and preventing elder abuse. https://ncea.acl.gov
  • LoGiudice, D., Whelan, S., & McLaren, S. (2005). Elder abuse: What general practitioners should know. Medical Journal of Australia, 182(11), 558-563.
  • National Institute on Aging. (2018). Elder abuse and neglect. https://www.nia.nih.gov
  • World Health Organization. (2021). Elder abuse. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/elder-abuse
  • National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. (2018). Elder abuse and neglect: Improving the quality of care. The National Academies Press.
  • Jewett, J. L., & Hazzard, W. R. (2009). Elder neglect and abuse. Medical Clinics of North America, 93(3), 769-781.
  • Scharlach, A. E. (2019). Ethical issues in elder care: Challenges and strategies. Clinics in Geriatric Medicine, 35(3), 413-423.
  • Stein, J. A., & Polutnik, C. M. (2020). Ethical considerations in elder mistreatment prevention. Journal of Elder Abuse & Neglect, 32(4), 289-308.

Related Assignments