Ethical and Clinical Considerations in Dementia Advance Care Planning

Overview:

Advance Care Planning (ACP) is a cornerstone of palliative care practice and continues to evolve to meet the diverse needs of different communities. For people living with dementia (PWD), ACP has gained significant attention in education, advocacy, and clinical documentation.

This session will explore the unique ethical challenges and clinical complexities of ACP for PWD, providing insights for professionals seeking to enhance their approach to this important aspect of care. Participants will gain a deeper understanding of how to navigate the nuances of ACP while honoring the dignity and autonomy of PWD.

Objectives:

• Identify the ethical dimensions and moral landscape of Advance Care Planning (ACP) for People with Dementia (PWD).
• Consider the cultural, social, relational, ethical and legal implications when preparing and applying ACP for PWD related to eating and drinking.
• Learn tools and strategies to integrate ACP for PWD and their surrogate decision makers into clinical practice.

Presenters:

Lori Eckel, LCSW, APHSW-C, HEC-C is the lead palliative care social worker at Legacy Health in Portland, OR

Shoshawna Rainwater, LCSW, is a dementia consultant in private practice based in Portland, Oregon.