Professional and ethical issues when working with older adults

This chapter focuses on professional and ethical issues which emerge in therapeutic practice with people over 65 years. Ageism is discussed in reference to older adults and its possible influence on practice. Opportunities for trainees and therapists to attend to their own internal process, values and beliefs can enhance their capacity to work with the older age group, particularly when addressing the issue of loss. Boundary issues, specifically those involving confidentiality in relation to families of clients and multidisciplinary teams, are considered. Special attention is given to older adults who are ill or experiencing partial cognitive decline while the consent of older adults to research initiatives is briefly addressed.