ABSTRACT

This introduction presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of this book. The book explores both how these threats could be reduced, and also the question of when and why the autonomy of the elderly becomes less important than their general welfare, ie. when a person becomes no longer able to act competently and autonomously. It deals with defining personal development and with considering different models of it. The book considers the ethical arguments for and against it. It discusses various case histories, and argues that a right to refuse therapy, if not backed up by appropriate safeguards and set in an appropriate context, fails to protect the patient’s autonomy. The book provides practical and theoretical arguments against either adopting a pure ‘free market’ provision of services or regarding services for the elderly as a special case to be dealt with purely by the application of welfare principles.