Conflict Between Quality Care and Residents Rights

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Conflict Between Quality Care and Residents Rights, Doing the Right Thing Kimberly Wilson Post University Abstract Despite the “Residents Rights” law, dementia patients should not be able to refuse any hygienic care given by a nursing facility. All nursing facilities are responsible for every patient’s wellbeing regardless of the patient’s capacity level. When any patient is left unclean, it opens the door to serious infection such as a Urinary Tract Infection, Yeast Infection, and Skin Ulcers. Conflict Between Quality Care and Residents Rights Mentally incapacitated patients with chronic confusion like dementia should not be able to refuse personal or continent care. Understanding what dementia is and the behaviors associated with the disease can help when aiding a dementia patient in hygiene and continent care, which is absolutely necessary regardless of refusal from the patient. According to “Fundamental Concepts and Skills for Nursing” by Susan C. deWit; the definition of dementia is “a neurologic condition characterized by the following cognitive defects: impaired memory, disturbed intellectual function, and inability to problem solve.” (pg. 893) In 1990 Legislation put into effect by law, what is called the “Residents Rights” also referred to as the “Residents Bill of Rights”. Here are a few of the rights listed in this bill, “The right to be free from harm,” “The right to be treated with dignity and respect,” and “The right to refuse any medical treatment.” This includes bathing. This is conflicting when it comes to patients who are mentally incapacitated; for instance, patients with the ability to walk, talk and even dress themselves may not have the capacity to rationalize and make decisions correctly. When approaching a patient with chronic confusion to be changed for incontinent care or to be bathed, the patient may very well

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