The Ethical Dilemmas of Dementia Care
Is it ever acceptable to lie to protect the people you love? It's just one of the many heart-wrenching ethical dilemmas that dementia care presents.
As the WSJ article notes, thoughtful planning for one's later years can help mitigate some of these challenges. But planning alone isn't enough. As the U.S. population ages and people live longer, we also need a broader range of housing and care options.
Perhaps if more innovative and appealing models were widely available—such as friend compounds, intergenerational communities, and dementia villages—more people would choose to make the transition earlier. Doing so could ease the burden on loved ones while helping ensure greater safety, dignity, and quality of life for those living with dementia.