Dignity in Elderly care - Essay Example

The notion of dignity was evaluated from the elders’ perspective and experiences, the latter was backed up by reviews of all current literature thus ensuring a comprehensive view. Moreover, exclusive sets of international code of standards safeguard human dignity within all societies. The basic notions of human dignity were initially conceived within the Universal Declaration of Human Rights in 1948.Furthur the promotion of dignity within healthcare conduces to a better quality of life. The notion of dignity was evaluated from the elders’ perspective and experiences, the latter was backed up by reviews of all current literature thus ensuring a comprehensive view.

A global aging population entails specific requirements. Human rights have gained a strong focus on bioethics whilst it transpires that human dignity and rights are complimentary to each other. Various international conventions on human rights are inadequate in fulfilling elderly needs. Picker institute outlined dignity indicators that optimise care for elderly patients whilst giving them their basic human rights. Data collection included intervews, books, journals and websites, reflecting qualitative research methods.

The perspectives of aging people concerning the quality of health services were investigated in the data interpretation. Within this setting, the elderly patients’ autonomy and dignity resulted to be moderated. Recommendations stressing provisions in the legal and health care systems target the reduction of practices that undermine dignity. Complimentary recommendations include holistic training and education to health care workers to avoid negative attitudes towards the elderly, supported by a Commissioner of old people.

Finally, more effective resource logistics are imperative to arrest limitations in the health care system. Dedicated to my Husband and Children, Jeanette, Peter and Norma Table of Contents CHAPTER 1 17 Literature review 17 Health Ethics 20 Human dignity in philosophy and religion 20 Elderly People’s Rights 26 The Power/Vulnerability Paradox (Megret’s theory) 42 Indicators of dignity for the elderly 44 CHAPTER 2 53 Methodology 53 Introduction 53 Methods 58 Target population 59 Process 60 CHAPTER 3 67 Analysis and Discussion 67 CHAPTER 4 83 Conclusion 83 Appendix 1: 86 Transcripts of patients interviewed: 86 Appendix 2: 113 Interview with Ministry of Foreign Affairs 113 Appendix 3: 115 Consent Form 120 Bibliography 129 UN programme on ageing, The Madrid International Plan of Action on Aging, 2002.

138 Report of the Second World Assembly on Ageing, Madrid, 8-12 April 2002, United 138 Nations, New York, 2002. Retrieved from, 138 http://www.un.org/ageing/madrid_intlplanaction.html 138 I would like to express my deepest gratitude to my supervisor Rev.Professor George Grima B.A.,M.A.(Louv.),S.TH.D.(Louv) For, his excellent guidance, constant support and assistance throughout the opus of this thesis. I also wish to thank all those who made the completion of this course possible, especially my Family and Friends who have patiently supported me throughout my years of study.

Introduction  Background study “No one can make you feel inferior without your permission” - Eleanor Roosevelt. 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, recognised 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”