The Ethics of Caring for Older People (2^nd Ed.)

This book is the British Medical Association?s statement on the ethics related to care of the elderly, written and reviewed by a panel of renowned medical ethicists. As such it is an authoritative and considered reference, written in an accessible, non jargon so as to be useful for anyone charged with looking after the elderly.

The book includes useful case examples so that it can be used by a range of health professionals and carers who need to know the law and ethics of looking after older people. The authors focus on practical issues such as helping older people stick to their treatment regimes, the sort of information they should be given to give valid consent, and their rights to confidentiality, as well as discussion about where they want to end their lives when it comes to that point.

Executive summary.

1 Introduction.

2 Importance of communication and barriers to it.

3 Ethical issues regarding consent and refusal.

4 Legal issues regarding consent and refusal.

5 Privacy and confidentiality.

6 Consent in relation to use of restraint and other protective measures.

7 Helping people make decisions in advance.

8 Care at the end of life and preparing for a good death.

Index

health professionals and all carers who need to know about the law and ethics of looking after elderly patients

The British Medical Association is the professional association and registered trade union for doctors in the United Kingdom. The association does not regulate or certify doctors, a responsibility which lies with the General Medical Council.