Secondary abstract: |
Introduction: In today's world, dementia is a very common disease among the elderly, and it manifests in the deterioration of cognitive functions. Consequently, the elderly have problems performing all basic activities, including communication. At first elderly need help
of relatives and with progress of disease also care in nursing home. Due to communication difficulties, healthcare workers mostly face problems, which they must solve ethically by considering the code of ethics as well as their knowledge, competence and conscience. Aim:
The aim of the paper is to present dementia, the ethical aspect of treating people suffering from dementia and ethical dilemmas which nurses face in these situations. Work methods: The paper is based on a descriptive work method. By reviewing academic literature (publications as well as professional and scientific articles), we present the studied topic.
Based on the studies, found through the DiKUL database and the Slovenian Nursing Review base in Slovene and English, we present the ethical aspect of treating the elderly with
dementia. Results: Slovene studies showed that the most prevalent model of treatment is the comprehensive approach and three models of staying in a nursing home. The research on knowledge displayed by healthcare workers showed that the level of acquired knowledge on dementia is average and that attendance at educational courses is low. Discussion and conclusion: In addition to the comprehensive model, many other models on treating the elderly with dementia have gained ground. Each model has certain advantages of treatment and adopts a different approach. The studied literature presents several ethical dilemmas, concerning pain management, dignity at the end of one's life, euthanasia, independence, communication, coercion, the use of physical and medical obstruction, the lack of knowledge
and, as a result, low-quality healthcare and ineffective work organisation, which present even more ethical challenges to healthcare workers. The greatest emphasis must be put on training of personnel, working in the field of dementia and geriatrics, and recurrent training on ethics.
As a result, educated healthcare workers will provide more quality healthcare and solve
ethical dilemmas they face more easily. |