Dignity in Elderly Care - Thesis Example

Picker Institute in its review had outlined seven dignity indicators that optimize the care provided for the elderly patients, whilst according to the basic human rights. The research paper, which explores elderly dignity, is primarily a qualitative research type based on scholarly resources like books, journals, and various relevant articles form the Internet. Derivations made from primary researches based on interviewing elderly patients at the geriatric ward, and a relational study of the provided care with the Picker Institute’s dignity indicators, helped the researcher to analyze the quality of health services provided for the elderly population by the Maltese government.

Recommendations stressing provisions within the Maltese legal and health care systems target the elimination of the practices that undermine elderly dignity. Complimentary recommendations include holistic training and education to health care workers to avoid negative attitudes towards the elderly, supported by a Commissioner of the old people.The term ‘dignity’ derived from the Latin word Dignitas or Dignus that means worthy, can be defined as “quality of being worthy of honour” or “a sense of self-importance” (Collins Language.

com, 2011). One can view dignity as an individual’s personal characteristic, recognized by self and others. From a broader perspective, dignity is “an umbrella concept.which makes it at once inclusive and comprehensive, and yet raises issues of scope and precision. While creating an awareness of the gulf separating humans from all other species can sensitize us to our potential for dignity” (Holmes, 2008, 130). Thus, dignity is a comprehensive subject, which is predisposed to vary within the context of different ethical and cultural background.