Page 75 - The Deep Seated Issue of Choice

THE DEEP SEATED ISSUE OF CHOICE
APPENDIX C
which enables pride and independence, with the need to be kept safe...
The dignity of risk, individual pride, and the need for adult mastery and independence are valuable human options. We must carefully assess each resident before we even think about restraints. Exercising muscles and getting the maximum strength possible is the more important element in maintaining the potential to walk safely.
We may need to debate long-held beliefs about shining floors versus the pride of walking without assistance and feeling safe. Individual choice after full discussion of risk factors may be the most appropriate choice for many residents.
Quality and the Dignity of Privacy
Visitors, space and privacy are other important areas of concern. However, they may also be areas of conflict. For as many residents who prefer open visiting hours, there are often just as many who simply do not want visitors on their units before 9 or 10 a.m.
The key to the development of an effective policy that provides dignity and privacy is to remember that residents should make the final decision. In the process, they can learn to lobby and to take into consideration the wishes of the majority when making a decision...
Providing quality in areas of privacy may also extend to cleaning rooms by appointment and respecting the privacy of a resident’s dresser drawers or closet space.
Privacy for families to meet must also be considered. Ideally, an administrator will foster family-like units that allow for readily-available private space, without a great deal of cost or effort.
Quality and the Right to Participate in Care Decisions
Although residents and their families are routinely invited to attend care conferences, we may need to explore other avenues that allow residents to participate in care and treatment decisions. Residents are empowered by being given the choice about their method of involvement.
The areas in which we must address resident rights continue to grow. Consider: -the right of the life –long smoker versus the right to a smoke-free
environment;
-the facility need to supply “optimal nutrition” versus the individual need
to satisfy lifestyle or fast food habits;
-the facility need to document perfection in grooming versus the
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