Ethical Challenges in Caring for Dementia Patients

Problem Statement by on case Sophia King S.K. is a 79 year old female presenting with her daughter. Daughter has a concern about her mother’s increase in confusion and memory loss, behavior changes, personality changes, loss of interest in normal activities and vast emotional changes over the year. Her daughter also reports she is not able to participate in her activities of daily living as she used to. Upon assessment, S.K is only alert and oriented to person and place, x2, does not know why her daughter brought her in today. patient has shuffling gait, strong body odor and lack of hygiene. Daughter reporting no recent change in medications or history.

Reflection: Address the following questions:
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?