Human Rights and Ethical Issues in Aged Care: A Case Study of Dora and Simon

CULTURE SOCIETY AND
ETHICS

TABLE OF CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION...........................................................................................................................2
DESCRIPTION...............................................................................................................................2
DISCUSSION..................................................................................................................................2
Issue 1: Negligence to right to family in aged care....................................................................2
Issue 2: Violation of consent to medical treatment.....................................................................4
Issue 3: Lack of holistic or integrate care approach....................................................................5
CONCLUSION................................................................................................................................7
REFERENCES................................................................................................................................8

INTRODUCTION
Human rights are defined as the norms or behaviour standards which describes the nature
and practices of humans in society (Dunn, Lesyna and Zaret, 2017). These rights are protected by
international laws as well as local council’s legislations. Regardless of social identity, age,
gender, religion and race these rights are provided to every individual in the society. It is the
responsibility of the regulatory authorities and social service providers to protect and respect
these laws so that dignity, equality and independence can be granted to people in society.
Though human rights are granted to all individuals but often these laws are not taken into
considerations while providing social and health care services (Sreenivasan, 2016). On many
occasions these rights are also threatened due to age of gender of individual. The report will
discuss the human rights and ethical issues which are challenged in case study of Dora and
Simon. It will identify the key issues highlighted in the scenario along with the possible solutions
and legislative framework available for addressing the issue.
DESCRIPTION
Dora is blind and is also suffering from Alzheimer’s. She and her husband Simon both
are married for 59 years and are living happily. However in an event of an accident when both
Simon and Dora get injured, Simon was not able to take care of his wife until his complete
recovery. Thus Dora was sent to a nursing home. Simon used to visit nursing home on daily
basis so that he can remain emotionally available for his wife and she does not feel along in the
nursing home. However local authorities have decided to shift Dora permanently to nursing
home which is too far from the home of Simon. Thus after shifting Simon as well as their
children will not be able to meet Dora every day. The decision does not involve the consent of
Dora as well as her family member who are not agree with the fact that they will not be able to
meet her.
DISCUSSION
Issue 1: Negligence to right to family in aged care