Case study 36.2

Possible answer to: What ethical issues may arise from this scenario?

Is Janice, the CMHN, justified in advising Susan to ignore Robert taking his briefcase to the day centre? Surely, in tacitly encouraging Robert’s belief that he is going to an important meeting, Susan would be denying the reality of Robert’s situation and, in effect, lying to him. The role of ‘therapeutic lying’ has been much debated in dementia care. Some hold that telling lies to people with dementia, even for the best of reasons, is ethically unjustified. Others believe that ‘white lies’ are a familiar aspect of human relationships (how often have you not told the whole truth to your parents?) and that it is better for a person with dementia, such as Robert, to feel more contented in the belief that his life has some purpose to it. Which side of the debate are you on?