Legal and Ethical Considerations in Dementia Care: Capacity, Rights, and Clinical Practice

Presenters: Jan Cardin (board member) and Sydney Gross, MSW, LCSW-C

Hospital Social Work Manager Levindale Hebrew Geriatric Center and Hospital

Description:

This session will examine the intersection of law, ethics, and clinical practice in supporting individuals living with dementia. We will review different key legal documents, their scope, the implications for care, and potential complications. Participants will gain a clear understanding of capacity from both legal and clinical perspectives, along with practical strategies for assessing and documenting it. Ethical considerations in therapeutic care will be explored, with guidance for supporting family caregivers and advocating for the dignity, rights, and autonomy of individuals with dementia.

Learning Objectives:

Differentiate between guardianship and power of attorney, including how each is established, the scope of authority, and legal implications for individuals with dementia.

Define capacity in legal and clinical contexts, explore how dementia impacts cognitive function over time, and identify ways to evaluate capacity.

Examine the ethical principles and challenges involved in providing therapeutic care to individuals with dementia, such as balancing autonomy, safety, and quality of life

Provide guidance to families and caregivers to support advocacy and uphold the rights and dignity of individuals with dementia.

1.5/Category 1 CEU's (Ethics)