The document summarizes research conducted in two care homes that examined the values of different staff members in their work with older people. A questionnaire was administered to staff from various disciplines to analyze their responses to ethical dilemmas. The findings showed some differences between health and social care staff in their answers, though numbers were small. Overall, respondents displayed some ageist assumptions and a utilitarian approach to decision making. Training needs identified included articulating ethical principles, addressing ageist attitudes, defining duty of care, and developing autonomous moral decision making. The implications for service users were left for discussion.

1. Values in work with older people - research in two care homes Moira Dunworth PEPE Conference : 24 Jan 2008

7. Findings 1 65 33 32 Total 12 7 5 No box ticked 2 1 1 She should be given a single room 28 13 15 She should be required for health reasons 3 1 2 She should be required – so as to fit in 20 11 9 She should not be pressurised (autonomy) Total Home N Home SW Q6 Bath Issue 65 33 32 Total 12 7 5 No box ticked 11 9 2 She should be given a tranquilizer 2 1 1 They should be cut when she is asleep 40 16 24 She should not be pressurised (autonomy) Total Home N Home SW Q7 Fingernails

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