Dementia, Law and Ethics

Clinical dilemmas in dementia contexts are often not because the clinical facts are in doubt, but because the ethical and legal underpinnings are uncertain – which can cause worry and confusion. This practical book will help nurses, healthcare assistants and other practitioners to think through their responses clearly in the midst of these difficult
situations.

The chapters all stand alone, allowing the reader to dip quickly in and out of the book as required. They address complex issues such as abuse, behaviour that challenges, forced care, treatment withdrawal, and contain clinical case vignettes throughout.

This is essential reading to give practitioners the confidence that good legal and ethical decisions can be made in the same way as good clinical decisions.

Author Biography

Julian Hughes initially trained in general practice, but subsequently devoted his career to old age psychiatry. As professor of philosophy of ageing at Newcastle University and then as professor of old age psychiatry at the University of Bristol, he has published widely in the field, especially around dementia and ethics.

Aileen Beatty is a mental health nurse with 30 years’ experience. Most of her work has involved working directly with and managing services for people with dementia and their carers. This has included roles within the NHS and the voluntary sector. She has over 10 years’ experience working as an inspector with various care regulators and currently works for a private care provider in a dementia lead role.

Charlotte Emmett is an Associate Professor of Law and Director of Education at Northumbria University. She has spent over twenty years researching and teaching mental health and mental capacity law. Much of her work focuses on how the law impacts on the treatment and care of people living with dementia in hospital and community settings and the state’s role in the protection of vulnerable older adults more generally. Prior to becoming an academic, Charlotte practised as a solicitor specialising in personal injury and civil dispute resolution.