NCJ Number
159151
Journal
Journal of Elder Abuse and Neglect Volume: 7 Issue: 2/3 Dated: special issue (1995) Pages: 1-18
Date Published
1995
Length
18 pages
Annotation
This chapter discusses the definitions and concepts that are the foundation for the ethical issues, dilemmas, and decisions in the care of the elderly addressed in subsequent chapters.
Abstract
Ethical protocols are the foundation for the practice of elder-serving professionals; however, each professional must interpret protocols anew with each new case. Informed by various ethical protocols, ethical practice creates the possibilities for realizing the values embedded in those protocols to protect the rights of older adults so that they may live a life free from unnecessary suffering. There may be issues such as routine behaviors in daily living or personal preferences in elder mistreatment cases that are nonethical; therefore, practitioners must separate these orientations from those that are truly ethical. The second step is the deliberation in which all parties listen to one another, discuss, and debate differences. The third and final step is the movement toward the negotiation of differing ethical realities when there may be several operating. Ethical practice leads to decisions about managing issues and dilemmas. Effective decisionmaking must include all parties involved in those issues and dilemmas. Decisionmaking, therefore, will likely involve a number of multidisciplinary teams. Once the multidisciplinary teams have made ethical decisions, this does not automatically mean that the case will be successfully concluded. A decision is just a proposal for a plan of action. After decisions are reached, the final step is to advocate for, adapt to, and support implementation of the decisions by appropriate parties, so that the resolution will be congruent with the decision. 14 references