Würde und Demenz

Using the example of the dignity of people with dementia as its basis, this book addresses the foundations of care ethics. In medical ethics, dignity is often equated with ‘respect for autonomy’. As a result, people with dementia, who progressively lose the ability to make their own decisions, fall outside this protective concept. In view of this loss of dignity, this book suggests a concept of dignity that considers such people’s situation. In order that sufferers of dementia can retain their dignity, the author compiles a set of principles and criteria that carers can deploy when interacting with their patients and when creating the appropriate conditions in which they can conduct their lives. At the same time, those carers also work under taxing conditions. In order for them to be able to perform their duties ethically under such circumstances, this book advises them to integrate both rational reasoning and their perceptions into their work in the form of narratives.