Disability and Dignity-Enabling Home Environments - Essay Example

The paper "Disability and Dignity-Enabling Home Environments" is an outstanding example of an essay on social science. To me long-term care is more than just providing a safe home environment for someone; it has to do with making that person feel as though they are wanted are cared for. This varies depending on each individual case, but I can see why younger disabled patients would want to have greater freedom to be able to make choices for themselves. They already feel like they can't do much, so the situation is only inflamed when they have restrictions placed on them.

Dignity is something that we all seek, but perhaps disabled people feel this more so than the rest of us because it is something that they have struggled to gain their entire lives. I feel that the study tried to accurately capture this notion by interviews with both disabled adults and their decision-makers. This gave a more balanced view and also a different perspective on the situation. I like the fact that dignity was broken down into human dignity and social dignity because all too often the latter is overlooked.
Of the conditions for the desired home environment, I would say that the ability to sustain meaningful relationships is the most important factor. This is something that is universal among all humans, but disabled people rely on human interaction more so because it helps to make them feel whole even if in reality they cannot perform complex human tasks. Social dignity is very important for an adequate home environment, and I think that all 7 essential conditions need to be present for disabled adults to feel accepted and cared for. Read More