Yolanda hallucinates about the lady in the mirror and snakes on her chair. Cliff believes he’s late for his television show. Their caregivers “play along.” Why might this approach be beneficial? Is this unethical?
The correct answer and explanation is:
This approach of caregivers “playing along” with Yolanda’s hallucinations and Cliff’s delusions might be beneficial in certain situations. The rationale behind this technique is rooted in managing the symptoms of individuals with severe cognitive impairments, such as those with dementia or other neurological disorders. The key idea is to avoid directly challenging the person’s perception of reality, as doing so can lead to heightened distress, confusion, or agitation. In such cases, caregivers may use therapeutic communication strategies, including validation or “playing along,” to reduce anxiety and maintain the person’s sense of safety and well-being.
When Yolanda sees the lady in the mirror or snakes on her chair, and when Cliff believes he is late for his television show, directly confronting these hallucinations or delusions might cause frustration, embarrassment, or even aggression. If the caregivers remain calm and respond in a way that doesn’t invalidate the person’s experiences, it can help to defuse a potentially difficult situation. The caregivers’ ability to provide reassurance and continue engaging with the person in a gentle and supportive manner is essential for maintaining emotional equilibrium.
However, this approach must be used with caution. It can be seen as unethical if caregivers begin to mislead or deceive in ways that could harm the individual in the long term. Ethical concerns arise if the caregiver uses this method to manipulate the individual, or if it results in neglecting to provide necessary interventions or treatments. It’s important that “playing along” is done with the person’s dignity and well-being in mind, and not as a means of convenience for the caregiver.
In conclusion, while this approach can be beneficial in managing certain behaviors, it must be carefully applied to ensure that it does not undermine the person’s autonomy, safety, or long-term health.