Is deception defensible in dementia care? A care ethics perspective

Area of Science:

• Bioethics
• Gerontology
• Nursing Ethics

Background:

• Deception is frequently employed in dementia care, raising ethical concerns.
• Mainstream ethical theories often overlook the nuances of care for individuals with diminished abilities.
• Care ethics offers a more suitable framework for navigating complex situations in dementia care.

Purpose of the Study:

• To conceptually clarify the conditions under which deception occurs in dementia care.
• To argue for the suitability of care ethics as a guiding framework.
• To analyze the moral rationality of deception in common dementia care scenarios.

Main Methods:

• Conceptual analysis of deception within dementia care.
• Application of care ethics principles.
• Examination of five common cases of deception.

Main Results:

• Morally defensible deception is context-specific and integrated into a caring process.
• Instant, creative, and interactive care procedures are key to identifying justifiable deception.
• Deception is often used for convenience rather than as a last resort.

Conclusions:

• Deception can be morally justified in specific dementia care contexts.
• There is a need for enhanced training for nurses to uphold authenticity and autonomy.
• Prioritizing the dignity and interaction abilities of persons with dementia (PWDs) is crucial.