Autonomy and Empowerment for the Elderly - 598 Words

Autonomy and Age Autonomy is the capacity of self-determination. Sometimes this may be difficult to achieve for the elderly, many of whom may be cognitively impaired or have multiple physical needs. Sometimes professionals who think they are helping the elderly may in fact impede autonomy (Guido). Often the elderly may decide to delegate decision making to another. In these circumstances it is important to be sure that the elderly person has not been coerced into selecting a certain individual act as a surrogate. Moreover, the elder should be continually asked for his or her viewpoint when a decision is to be made. There is a professional duty to make sure persons under their care have an adequate knowledge base in order to make informed decisions. The principle of benefice states that the actions a person takes should promote good. Furthermore, the principle of non-malfeasance sates that a person should do no harm (Ensign). Research suggests that it is important for elderly individuals to be empowered as long as possible in order to decrease their dependency on those around them. Typical symptoms of powerlessness are apathy, depression with an emphasis toward chronic illness, expression of no control over a situation, non-participation, and passivity (Meddaugh and Peterson). These symptoms may eventually block successful cooperation among care givers and family members. Positive health promotion can enable the elderly to increase their sense of control over and abilityShow MoreRelatedPsychological Factors Affecting Social Isolation845 Words   |  3 Pagesan older persons existing social network. The absence or weakness of the social support network forms the basis for identifying individuals who are socially isolated. According to Krishnamoorthi (2011) social isolation of the chronically ill and elderly is a costly problem. When the unmanaged chronic illness of the socially isolated becomes acutely wo rsened, mortality rates are higher and serious functional and mental debilitation requires total care from the system. Data indicates there is an increasedRead MoreThe Significance of the Study of Stepping On, a Fall Prevention Program710 Words   |  3 PagesStepping On (fall prevention program) According to Clemson (et al 2004), falls amongst the elderly represent a serious psychological as well as physical threat. Because of older patients physical frailty (as a result of complaints due to osteoporosis or arthritis), a fall can result in a substantial compromise to patient mobility and also result in a blow to patient self-confidence. Falls among the elderly represent a major economic and social problem Falls themselves and the belief that one mightRead MoreThe Ethical And Legal Issues1831 Words   |  8 PagesThe Issue The concept of autonomy spans both ethical and legal issues as it pertains to the aging population. This paper will focus on the ethical perspective of trying to keep a balance between allowing an aging (65+) person to maintain their autonomy when making rational and intelligent life choices while at the same time assisting them from making bad choices that might harm them emotionally, financial, spiritually or even physically in some instances. Autonomy comes from the Greek word forRead MoreAn Ethical Business Has a Broad Agenda and Focuses on Making a Positive Contribution to the Community.1085 Words   |  5 Pagessocial care partnership working which are as explained below. At first, Autonomy is conceptualised as ‘self-determination in health care ethics, which means if a person is autonomous, he or she can make own decisions regarding treatment and care’ (Widdershoven and Abma, 2012, p. 217). Independence indicates playing self-governing roles around everything to do with oneself (Beales and Platz, 2008). For instance, allowing an elderly client to conduct easy daily tasks on her own and waiting till the completionRead MoreSelect A Concept- Autonomy Within Nursing1471 Words   |  6 PagesSelect a concept- Autonomy in Nursing In today’s ever-changing healthcare delivery that uses patient as centered model there are issues concerning the understanding autonomy in the nurse-patient relationship. Autonomy is view as a relevant element in providing advanced nursing care to the patients, and improving the health outcomes. There are unclear descriptions in the literature about what the autonomy may be in the nursing context which results in conflicts and rejections of patient’s adherenceRead MoreTermonally Ill Patients Concept Analysis3688 Words   |  15 Pagesinability to function independently without the aid of another. When these loses are not discussed or validate with the patient they are unable to face new loses or changes of autonomy that develop during their decline. Helping the patient talk through their emotions with support, education, empowerment, and allowing new autonomy helps the patient come to acceptance of their death. Giving them stability and understanding allowing them to be able to start decision making process. Reed (2010) discussesRead MoreJean Watson1215 Words   |  5 Pagesvulnerable population for many reasons, among them the fact that physicians are reimbursed for their care at a lower rate and therefore are often less interested in providing sensitive care. In their study of disparities in antidepressant treatment among elderly Medicaid patients diagnosed with depression, Strothers, Rust, Minor, Fresh, Druss, and Satcher (2005, p. 460) determined from the data that the relative treatment or nontreatment of depression in the Medicaid population varies from state to stateRead MoreRole Of The Social Worker And How And Why They Become Involved With Individuals2302 Words   |  10 Pagesdecisions about their lives and what other factors play a part in the social work process. I will be focussing on Adults as this is the area that I am currently working in although I will reference other service areas. I will also define service user empowerment in the planning of their care and explore how care management policy aims to empower those in need. I will then look at risk management, and explore what risks are associated with care and support, and evaluate how risk can be minimised, managedRead MoreThe Theory Of Human Caring And The Adult Learning Theory Essay1722 Words   |  7 PagesThe philosophy and science of the Theory of Human Caring and the Adult Learning Theory will guide the development of this project (the education of caregiver in recognition of depression in elderly relatives). Both theories have historically provided robust frameworks that are learnedly in line with global approaches to community health and health promotion program development. Theory of Human Caring/Science of Caring The Theory of Human Caring/Science of Caring is the work of Jean Watson and focusesRead MoreLife Cycle Of A Human Being Essay1769 Words   |  8 Pagesperform activities of daily living. Similarly, the elderly population requires aid and advice to maintain independence in the later years of life. In this paper, I will discuss laws that have affected this community, services available in Florida to assist the elderly, the role of social workers in aged care and my personal experience being a caregiver for an elderly family member. Aging Services History Two federal acts have impacted the elderly. The first act took place in 1935; Title I forged a