2025 Colorado Healthcare Ethics Forum Annual Conference

Caring for individuals with dementia requires a shift in mindset and an ethical commitment to honoring the person’s autonomy. This session will explore innovative communication strategies that respect the person’s voice, even when memory and decision-making abilities are impaired. Participants will learn practical approaches to fostering autonomy while navigating how individuals with dementia express their needs, preferences, and emotions in the present moment.
We will discuss how to balance the need to keep individuals safe while respecting their autonomy and sense of agency. We will discuss how to navigate situations where safety concerns arise without unnecessarily restricting personal choice or independence. By integrating these compassionate and ethically grounded strategies, healthcare providers can enhance wellbeing, dignity, and connection for those living with dementia.

The presentation will include 30 minutes of content followed by 20 minutes for questions and discussion. Attendees will leave with actionable insights and ethical strategies to empower autonomy and wellbeing for people living with dementia.

Program Objectives: 1. Develop Ethical Communication Strategies: Participants will learn simple communication techniques that respect the dignity of individuals with dementia, ensuring ethical, compassionate interactions and wellbeing.
2. Balance Autonomy and Safety: Participants will understand how to ethically balance the need for patient and staff safety while respecting the individual’s autonomy in healthcare settings.
3. Develop Ethical Communication for Treatment Decisions: Participants will learn strategies for involving individuals with dementia in treatment decisions, to help ensure their values and preferences are respected.