Which philosophical approach provides the best foundation for the ethics of dementia care?

• Main Author: Mitchell, Vincent J.
• Other Authors: Gallagher, M. A.
• Published: University of Surrey 2016
• Subjects: 616.8
• Online Access: http://ethos.bl.uk/OrderDetails.do?uin=uk.bl.ethos.690383

Due to the increasing prevalence of dementia, caring for people with the condition is a global cause for concern. Ethics is an essential part of providing good care. However, ethics applied to dementia care needs to take account of the loss of cognition that results from the condition. There are particular challenges which arise when caring for a human being who has lived a normal life, but in whose current state does not fully resemble the person they were. This thesis aims to establish which philosophical approach provides the best foundation for an ethics of dementia care that can be both inclusive of everyone with dementia and meet these everyday challenges. In order to do this, the methodological approach of philosophical inquiry has been taken. As such, the concepts and arguments employed in the philosophical and empirical work have been critically examined. The results of this inquiry have then been utilised to construct a new pluralistic ethical model. The central argument of the thesis is that ethical approaches based on the moral status of the care recipient are not adequate and therefore should not be the primary focus for dementia care ethics. Instead, it is argued that a more promising approach is to embrace a virtue of receptivity (as advocated by Slote) in order that people are more responsive to the thoughts and feelings of those in their care. The ethical model proposed then combines this with principles to guide the care provider; as well as recognising the essential element of a supportive sociopolitical environment for the provision of ethical care. To implement this change, a suggested programme for ethics education is outlined. Future research will consider both the success of the model and this education programme.