Tag: Ethical dilemmas - Healthy Aging Hub

Oct 9, 2025

4 min

Should you tell dementia patients the truth? Navigating Compassionate Communication

When a loved one has dementia, their perception of reality often changes, creating a challenging ethical dilemma for caregivers. The decision of whether to use 'therapeutic fibbing' or insist on facts—and the larger question, **should you tell dementia patients the truth?**—is a deeply personal and complex one.

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Oct 9, 2025

5 min

What is an example of a challenging situation in care?

According to the Family Caregiver Alliance, family caregivers in the United States spend an average of 24.4 hours per week providing care. Understanding **what is an example of a challenging situation in care** is crucial for preparing for the emotional, physical, and logistical demands that often arise in this vital role.

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Oct 6, 2025

4 min

Should dementia patients get a feeding tube? Understanding the complex considerations.

Facing the challenging decisions of advanced dementia care is incredibly difficult for families and caregivers. A common dilemma, particularly as the disease progresses, is whether dementia patients should get a feeding tube, a topic with significant ethical and medical considerations that must be carefully navigated.

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Oct 4, 2025

2 min

What Do Doctors Do If a Patient Refuses to Eat?

According to research published by the National Institutes of Health, a competent adult has the legal right to refuse medical treatment, including nutrition. When faced with a patient who refuses to eat, doctors do not resort to forced feeding but rather initiate a comprehensive, multi-disciplinary assessment to determine the underlying reasons and the patient's capacity for the decision. This process is guided by patient autonomy and an ethical framework that seeks to understand and respect the patient's wishes while ensuring their well-being.

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