Autonomy and Freedom of Choice

Contrary to popular belief, residents in long term care facilities are not always fully dependent. Many residents, residents of assisted living facilities, for example, are very independent, and taking that away from them may harm them, rather than help them. Autonomy represents a persons motivation and willingness to participate in certain tasks. Performing certain tasks for these individuals may actually decrease their willpower to do so for themselves in the future. However, this decision can be a very difficult one to understand. Ignoring a patient or residential need in which they require assistance could be viewed as neglect. Activities of daily living, including, feeding, dressing, and toileting may often require a need for assistance. If the patient displays a willingness to attempt any of these activities on their own, this may be a positive sign of autonomy, however, they should not be attempted without close monitoring.
Another important factor to consider in the way of patient and residential rights, is the right for advance directives. Although some states do not recognize all of these advance directives, they are still important when considering an incapacitated individual. Advance directives are documents used to make health care decisions when the person is no longer capable of doing so themselves. The incapability's include both physical and cognitive disorders. This documents can be in the form of living wills and power of attorneys. Each are designed to execute health care decisions on the patients behalf.
Although the elderly are seen as an extremely vulnerable race, they are still human beings. If capable, they should maintain the right to make their own decisions. They should also maintain the right to perform tasks they are capable of doing without harming themselves. Autonomy and advance directives are equally important in health care ethics, and are not to be taken lightly. The long term care population is vulnerable, and therefore require everyone to be advocates to their well-being.