Informed Consent In Older Adults Essay

Literature suggests that competent and incompetent older adults with cognitive problems must have an equal right to make their own autonomous decision regarding their care. “Human beings are not objects like the material things that surround us; they are persons who normally act according to their conscience, in freedom, and in a responsible manner” (Gastmans & Milisen, 2006, pp. 149-150). This statement is similar to Kant’s second formulation of the categorical imperative, which pertains to respecting an individual’s autonomy. HCPs need to obtain the informed consent as an act of showing respect towards the autonomy of an older adult. According to the definition of informed consent mentioned above, it states that an individual must be competent. The minimal standard of competence is that an individual must be able to at least express his/her preference (Buchanan & Brock, 2013, p. 26). Competent older adults have the ability to state their decision immediately given all the relevant information regarding the adverse effects, risks and benefits of the treatment. However, obtaining informed consent can be challenging, especially if an older adult has a cognitive problem such as dementia. According to Gastmans & Milisen (2006), “Even mentally incompetent older persons should be involved as much as possible in the decision-making procedure, since the loss of cognitive functioning—usually a gradual process as in dementia—does not necessarily mean that people can no longer make their own choices and decisions” (p. 150). Despite the loss of cognitive functioning, older adults’ …show more content…
The communication between him and us was not so successful. He did not understand what we explained to him and why we applied the physical restraint to him. He was so irritable and angry when we restrained him and did not promise to cooperate with us… I felt so sad the day I restrained him. (p.