Counselling of people with dementia in legal matters - social and health care professionals' role

This article examines the counselling of people with dementia in legal matters by focusing on the experiences both of people with dementia and of social and health care professionals. The article also assesses the role of social and health care professionals in enabling the fulfilment of the legal s...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:European journal of social work 2020-07, Vol.23 (4), p.685-698
Main Authors: Nikumaa, Henna, Mäki-Petäjä-Leinonen, Anna
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Autonomy
Counseling
counselling
Dementia
Fulfilment
Health care
Health services
later life legal planning
legal security
Medical decision making
Medical personnel
neuvonta
oikeudellinen ennakointi
oikeusturva
Social security
social service benefits
sosiaaliturvan tukimuodot
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Summary:This article examines the counselling of people with dementia in legal matters by focusing on the experiences both of people with dementia and of social and health care professionals. The article also assesses the role of social and health care professionals in enabling the fulfilment of the legal security of people with dementia. In Finland, social and health care professionals have a responsibility to inform their clients of their social and legal security options, and therefore need to know the range of legal tools and options available. They also need to know what measures may be taken to support the remaining legal capacity and autonomy of the person with dementia and to facilitate choices and planning for the future. This article reports the findings of three separate studies carried out in Finland. By examining the results of these studies, the necessity of offering sufficient counselling and support can be addressed. Developing counselling involves changed attitudes and improved competence for the professionals involved in social and health care, as well as changes in operational practices. People with dementia constitute a large client group whose legal security should be developed in a comprehensive and nuanced way.
ISSN:1369-1457
1468-2664
DOI:10.1080/13691457.2019.1568970