The modern society is encompassed by a variety of ethical issues. However, difficult ethical choices faced by individuals in the modern world are called ethical dilemmas (Slade & Prinsloo, 2013). The elderly or aged individuals are more likely to face such ethical dilemmas and therefore are highly vulnerable. This in turn results in their exploitation as people take advantage of their situations. According to the aged individuals, ethics are associated with their ability to make their own choices and decisions and on the way they are treated by others (Van der Dam et al., 2012).
This essay describes the NASW steps for ethical problem solving with respect to the case study of Marie. It also provides the ethical decision making models and explains the NASW code of ethics with respect to this case study.
The NASW essential steps for ethical problem solving involve Determine, Identify, Rank, Develop, Implement and Reflect (Naswma.org, 2018). The first step involves determination of the presence of an ethical dilemma and identify whether there is any conflict of values or rights. In this case study, the first dilemma identified is with Marie. Marie feels positive and happy when she is with her children and grand-children, however, she becomes stressed due to the work associated with raising young children. She feels depressed, particularly on her husband’s death anniversary. Another dilemma is with Marie’s children, Lisa and Toni. They want their mother to enjoy the time with the grandchildren but also they are concerned about whether their mother can tolerate the stress around their children. Another ethical dilemma is that Marie takes her pain medications only if she is in pain. Additionally both Toni and Lisa are faced with ethical dilemmas as Toni feels that she cannot take care of her mother and wants her mother to live in an assisted living facility. She also thinks that her sister is taking advantage of Marie. Lisa on the other hand wants Marie to take her pain medications and to bond with the children more often. The next step is to identify the key principles or values associated with the dilemmas. In this case study, the children are faced with the dilemma of whether to take of their mother or to keep her in an aged care facility. The dilemma of the mother is that she wants to stay with her children and grandchildren but become stressed. The next step is to rank the ethical dilemmas. In this case study, the ethical dilemma faced Marie is most important because it should be her decision whether to stay with her family members or live alone in an aged care facility. The next step is to develop an action plan, which in this case study is to determine whether an aged care facility will be suitable for Marie and whether this will have any implications on her or on her children and grandchildren. The next step is to implement, which in this case involves the use of skillful negotiation and sensitive communication. The last step is to reflect on the outcomes associated with the ethical decision-making. It is necessary to evaluate the consequences of this process on Marie, her children and grandchildren.
The type of data that needs to be collected for this case study involves conversations, interactions with the individuals, informations about the medical conditions, interview transcripts, video of the interactions or the interviews with the family members. Other data that needs to be collected is demographic information, which will help to locate a suitable activity for her, where she can engage herself (Aoir.org, 2018).
The ethical dilemma described in this case study is at first with respect to Marie. She made her own decision to retire from her business because of physical demands, however, she feels lonely and without any purpose after retiring. Therefore, if she had continued to work in her business ventures it would have benefited her as she could have interacted with people and have a purpose in life. She also would not have to move in with her children and feel anxious and stressed with respect to the work associated with her grandchildren. Moreover, her children would also not have been faced with the dilemma of whether to keep her with them or send her to an aged care facility. Moreover, Marie would not have been faced with the dilemma of whether to take her pain medications, as she was anxious that she would become like Lisa, who also takes pain medications.
The ETHIC model of decision-making can be used to solve the ethical dilemmas associated with this case study. This involves examining the relevant societal, personal and client values. The next is to think on which standard belonging to the NASW code of ethics is appropriate for the case study. The next step is to hypothesize the possible consequences associated with the various decisions planned. The next step is to identify, which person will be harmed and which person will benefit, keeping in mind the commitment of social workers to the most vulnerable individuals. The last step is to consult with the supervisor with respect to the ethical decisions made (Congress, 2017).
The social workers primary goal is to provide service to the client, who is in need (Socialworkers.org, 2018). In this case study the person who is in need is Marie. She is in a dilemma of whether to stray with her children or live alone. Next, the social workers are required to carry out social justice by helping Mary to engage in activities that would enable her to lead a happy and meaningful life and also not let her children, particularly Lisa to take advantage of her (Morgaine, 2014). Next, the social workers need to maintain the dignity of the client, which in this case is to promote self-confidence in Mary by engaging her in small activities that would establish her self-worth (Dybicz, 2012). However, keeping this in mind it is also necessary for the social worker to enable Mary to maintain a good relationship with her children.
Being a social worker, it is essential that I provide an environment to Marie, where she can engage in activities that will establish and contribute to her self-worth and where she can engage in conversation with individuals of her age. My commitment to the client allows me to ensure her well-being and self-determination skills will enable me to assist the client move on in the right path that would be beneficial for her. However, before carrying out the decision, I will inform Marie about it and also obtain her opinion.
Thus, this essay brings forth the ethical dilemmas faced by individuals, particularly the elderly. It is the duty of the social worker to determine these ethical dilemmas and identify the risks associated with the dilemmas. Moreover, in addition to remaining committed to the client, it is the duty of the social worker to steer the client in the right direction for the benefit of the individual.
Reference List
Aoir.org. (2018). Cite a Website – Cite This For Me. Aoir.org. Retrieved 19 January 2018, from https://aoir.org/reports/ethics2.pdf
Congress, E. P. (2017). What social workers should know about ethics: Understanding and resolving practice dilemmas. Social Work Ethics, 1909.
Dybicz, P. (2012). The ethic of care: Recapturing social work’s first voice. Social work, 57(3), 271-280.
Morgaine, K. (2014). Conceptualizing social justice in social work: Are social workers “too bogged down in the trees?”. Journal of Social Justice, 4(1), 1-18.
Naswma.org. (2018). Essential Steps for Ethical Problem-Solving – National Association of Social Workers. Naswma.org. Retrieved 19 January 2018, from https://www.naswma.org/page/100/Essential-Steps-for-Ethical-Problem-Solving.htm
Slade, S., & Prinsloo, P. (2013). Learning analytics: Ethical issues and dilemmas. American Behavioral Scientist, 57(10), 1510-1529.
Socialworkers.org. (2018). Cite a Website – Cite This For Me. Socialworkers.org. Retrieved 19 January 2018, from https://www.socialworkers.org/LinkClick.aspx?fileticket=ms_ArtLqzeI%3d&portalid=0
Van der Dam, S., Abma, T. A., Kardol, M. J. M., & Widdershoven, G. A. M. (2012). “Here’s my dilemma”. Moral Case Deliberation as a platform for discussing everyday ethics in elderly care. Health Care Analysis, 20(3), 250-267.
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