The purpose of this book is to create a dialogue among health providers, especially those in long-term care, regarding the tension between safety and autonomy when it comes to decision-making for older adults. When faced with difficult decisions regarding older adults (e.g., placement decisions) we often come down on the side of safety, citing Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs as the basis for that decision. Within the context of person-centered care, however, safety is not always what is most important to the older adult, at least not safety as defined by the health care providers. If we are to truly achieve person-centered care, we must be willing to honor the personal preferences of older adults, even if it involves a measure of risk. This book will explore the assumptions that underlie the clinical decision-making on behalf of older adults through case-based discussions and exercises designed to engage the reader in thoughtful analysis of these complex issues.
Table of Contents:
Introduction.- The Woman on the Beach (see attached) Thomas Kane.- Balancing Safety with Quality of Life Madge Isaacson.- The Hidden Meanings of Safety Lucinda Damroth.- Surrogate Decision-Making Maslow’s hierarchy.- The Real Story Michael Wong: Independence vs. Autonomy Ed & Norma Jones.- Sometimes Safety Cannot be Ignored Frank Williams.- No Longer Safe at Home Bernita Samuelson.- Refusal to use a Walker Jaunita Martinez.- Sex & the Assisted Living Setting The last word.
About the Author :
Theresa (Terri) Harvath, PhD, RN, FAAN, FGSA, is an internationally recognized expert in gerontological nursing and nursing education. She recently retired from her position as a Clinical Professor at the University of Minnesota (UMN), School of Nursing where she was also the Associate Director for Clinical Science and Practice in the Center for Healthy Aging and Innovation.
Prior to joining UMN, Terri was the Senior Director for Strategic Initiatives and Founding Faculty of the Betty Irene Moore School of Nursing at UC Davis. She was also the Founding Director for the Family Caregiving Institute at the Betty Irene Moore School of Nursing at UC Davis. Terri served as the president of the Gerontological Society of America in 2021 and as board chair in 2021 and 2022.
Dr. Harvath earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Primary Nursing from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in 1981, a Master of Science in Aging Family Nursing from OHSU in 1986, and a PhD in Gerontological Nursing from OHSU in 1990. Her professional career is dedicated to improving the health and health care for frail older adults and their family caregivers through the integration of theory, practice, and research.
Harvath's written work is widely published in numerous peer-reviewed journals and other publications including the American Journal of Nursing, the New England Journal of Medicine, the Journal of Gerontological Nursing and Clinical Nursing Research. She is a frequently requested speaker and has presented at numerous national and regional conferences and events as well as conferences in Ireland, Japan and Singapore. She is a fellow in both the American Academy of Nursing and the Gerontological Society of America.
Mark Fedyk, PhD, is a Professor of Bioethics in the School of Medicine at the University of California, Davis, where he teaches classes in medicine, nursing, engineering, and letters and sciences. His research has been published widely across several disciplines, including ethics, psychology, medicine, and nursing science.
Dr. Fedyk earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Philosophy from Queen's University in 2004, a Masters in Philosophy from Cornell University in 2008, and a PhD in Philosophy from Cornell University in 2009
