Safety or autonomy. An ethical issue for clinical gerontological nurses

Area of Science:

• Gerontology
• Bioethics
• Sociology

Background:

• The increasing aging population presents complex ethical considerations regarding living arrangements.
• Decisions about older adults' independence often involve conflicts between family members and the older adults themselves.

Observation:

• A common dilemma involves choosing between ensuring a safe environment for older adults or allowing them to live independently.
• Conflicting views between marginally competent older adults and their adult children highlight a tension between beneficence (doing good) and autonomy (self-governance).

Findings:

• Ethical dilemmas require more than just values; they necessitate applying ethical principles and theories for resolution.
• Autonomy is a paramount ethical principle in Western societies, making its limitation for safety a complex issue.

Implications:

• Decisions to override an older adult's autonomy for safety demand rigorous ethical justification.
• Understanding this ethical conflict is crucial for healthcare providers, families, and policymakers involved in elder care decisions.