National Health Ethics Week! April 1-7
NEWSLETTER
NEWSLETTER
Submitted by Nikki O’Melia— Ethics Committee Chairperson
Ethics can be thought of as the morals or principles that regulate a person’s (or group’s) behaviours. When you look at how we act in a situation of conflict or uncertainty and how we deal with what is good and what is bad – these are all related to ethics.
There are 4 cornerstones when looking at ethics:
- Autonomy – people have the right to make their own choices
- Beneficence – actions that promote good and prevent harm
- Non-maleficence – actions that do the least harm to the least number of people
- Justice - actions that are fair to everyone involved
This year the focus during Ethics Week will be Autonomy – A Person’s Right to Choose!
We need to remember, no matter how hard it may be for us or how much we may disagree with someone’s choice, it is their choice and their right to make that choice.
In LTC some examples of this are Advanced Directives, Nutrition and Hydration, Medications, End of Life etc.
Food for thought …
- Paul (77 yrs old) is a newly admitted resident who has capacity and still makes his own decisions. His medical information states he has dysphagia and a recent Modified Barium Swallow shows he is expe-riencing aspiration. His recommended diet is minced with thickened fluids.
- Paul does not wish to be on a modified diet and states he under-stands the risks associated but will continue to eat a regular diet with regular fluids.
- Staff are concerned he will choke or get aspiration pneumonia and become very ill.
Ethics Framework at HVH… what is an ethics framework?
An Ethics Framework is a tool developed to provide guidance and direction when the facility is assessing and considering various situations. A framework can:
- To provide the highest possible ethical standards
- Enables fair and consistent behaviour and decision making for ethical circumstances
- To provide ethical support and decision-making tools
Hilltop Highlights and Events
July Events
Food Services is planning a special lunch meal for Canada Day, July 1st.
PRIDE Week 2024- July 17th-20th
Resident Menu Committee
Did you know that HVH plants a sensory garden each summer? Sensory gardens help to provide meaningful and stimulating outdoor engagement opportunities for our residents. Research has shown benefits and positive outcomes for seniors’ mental health when provided access to the outdoors. This includes: • Improved sleep patterns • Positive impacts of natural light on mood • Promotes physical movement, social engagement, stress reduction, and opportunities for relaxation • Stimulates positive memories The goals of our sensory garden experiences include providing opportunities for increased relaxation, well-being, and enjoyment of the outdoors! Volunteers, family, staff, and residents are all welcome to enjoy our wonderful garden space during the summer months.
As a Resident of Harbour View Haven; 1. “You have the right to be treated with respect and dignity at all times.” Residents are to be provided the appropriate privacy in treatment and caring for any personal needs.
HVH Programming Highlights Pictures
As a Resident of Harbour View Haven; 10. “You have the right to your own religious beliefs and cultural background.” All residents shall be treated equally, regardless of gender, race or creed. Residents shall have free access to religious support with the opportunity to practice their chosen religion while residing at HVH.
Email: cfrazier@hvh.ca Phone: 902-514-6000