Reflection on Caring for Clients with Memory Loss
Healthcare providers encounter ethical challenges when caring for clients with memory loss, particularly those diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. A crucial ethical dilemma is the delicate balance between upholding patient autonomy and decision-making capabilities while prioritizing their safety (Akdeniz et al., 2021; Olejarczyk & Young, 2022). Janet Riley’s cognitive and functional capacities have experienced a notable decline. Ethical quandaries emerge when attempting to strike a balance between an individual’s autonomy and safety. Providers must prioritize the preservation of her autonomy while acknowledging that in situations where she poses a threat to herself or others, challenging choices regarding guardianship, driving privileges, and living arrangements may become necessary. Get in touch with us at eminencepapers.com. We offer assignment help with high professionalism.
Another ethical consideration pertains to upholding the patient’s dignity and ensuring their quality of life (Olejarczyk & Young, 2022). Alzheimer’s patients frequently undergo cognitive deterioration, resulting in potentially embarrassing or socially inappropriate behaviors or utterances. Healthcare providers must prioritize delivering respectful, patient, and empathetic care while upholding the patient’s dignity in various challenges. Also, family dynamics can present ethical dilemmas. Caregivers like Janet’s daughter may undergo considerable stress and fatigue. Accordingly, providers should proffer resources for respite care and support to ensure the holistic welfare of the family.
Healthcare providers can employ diverse resources to tackle ethical challenges (Ullrich et al., 2020). Social services and support groups offer aid to families in locating suitable care facilities, addressing caregiver stress, and navigating choices regarding guardianship or driving privileges. Neurology consultations provide valuable insights and potential treatment options for the patient’s condition. Additionally, professional organizations, like the Alzheimer’s Association, offer ethical guidance to assist healthcare providers in addressing intricate matters. These guidelines underscore the significance of person-centered care, autonomy, and preserving the patient’s dignity during the disease.
Caring for individuals with Alzheimer’s, such as Janet Riley, poses ethical dilemmas about autonomy, safety, dignity, and familial dynamics. Nonetheless, healthcare providers can overcome these challenges through interdisciplinary collaboration, leveraging community resources, and adhering to ethical guidelines to optimize patient care and support for their families.
References
Akdeniz, M., Yardımcı, B., & Kavukcu, E. (2021). Ethical considerations at the end-of-life care. SAGE Open Medicine, 9(9). https://doi.org/10.1177/20503121211000918
Olejarczyk, J. P., & Young, M. (2022). Patient rights and ethics. National Library of Medicine; StatPearls Publishing. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK538279/
Ullrich, A., Theochari, M., Bergelt, C., Marx, G., Woellert, K., Bokemeyer, C., & Oechsle, K. (2020). Ethical challenges in family caregivers of patients with advanced cancer – A qualitative study. BMC Palliative Care, 19(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12904-020-00573-6
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Question
Reflection on Caring for Clients with Memory Loss
Caring for clients with memory loss can be challenging for caregivers and for providers. What ethical challenges might the provider face and what resources are available to ensure appropriate, ethically sound care for this client and her family?
Include the following components:
Write 150-300 words in a Microsoft Word document
Demonstrate clinical judgment appropriate to the virtual patient scenario
Cite at least one relevant scholarly source as defined by program expectations
Communicate with minimal errors in English grammar, spelling, syntax, and punctuation