This document discusses the challenges of adhering to regulations in elder care services while balancing clients' autonomy and needs. It outlines basic ethical principles like self-determination and least restrictive care. However, the document notes that without standardized best practices, care can vary significantly between providers based on their experiences and values. The document provides a personal example of inconsistencies in following physical therapy guidance. It also examines the difficulties in identifying and reporting abuse while respecting privacy, as well as maintaining objectivity to avoid personal impacts from clients' situations.

1. Running head: ETHICS AND PROFESSIONALISM 1
Ethics and Professionalism
Marguerite Wagoner
Argosy University
Theory and scope of human services
HS6010
Dr. Dennis Toi
December 15, 2016

2. ETHICS AND PROFESSIONALISM 2
Ethics and Professionalism
SUMMARY
The purpose of this document is to discuss the challenges that rise when dealing
with various regulation standards that are set forth by the local, state and federal government it
will also be pointed out that through research that although the practice of taking care of others
many organizations such as the Adult protective service can practice based on experiences of
others and their own personal experience. This form of human services has not been researched
to find the best methods of care when dealing with not only the elderly but other facets as well.

3. ETHICS AND PROFESSIONALISM 3
There are basic principles that shape Adult protective services and human service work in
general.
 “The clients right to self- determination.
 The use of least restrictive alternatives.
 Maintenance of the family unit whenever it is possible.
 The use of community based programs and services that the community provides
other than institutions.
 The avoidance of blame.
 That inadequate or inappropriate service is better than none.” ("APS," 2016, para.
26)
The issue that arises from having mere basic guidelines is that taking care of some others
becomes open to interpretation to the one giving the care. Experience, morals, and cultural
beliefs become part of the way a person deals with another. An example of this is from my own
personal experience a few years ago, I worked for an in-home agency Comfort Keepers which
sends their staff within fifty miles of the home office. The company had started a new program
where an employ met with the family when they got home from therapy after a major surgery. I
had the pleasure of meeting with a wonderful lady who had to have hip replacement and it was
up to the staff to assist in helping this individual get back on her feet literally the staff was
expected to work closely with occupational and physical therapy and follow their directions to
the letter to assist this individual with becoming more independent by being able to help herself
get dressed and do things from a wheel chair that she used to be able to do standing up. She was
also to be walked regularly and taken to the gym to keep her muscles moving. What happened
was the company failed to get a set team into the home that would set up a routine many of the

4. ETHICS AND PROFESSIONALISM 4
staff had years of certified nursing experience and did what nurses’ aides do, they do for the
client and would have the client assist if they felt they had the time for it. When other staff
members were asked why they didn’t follow the directions that were posted all over they would
state it’s because she’s old enough to be my grandmother or she refused. A client does have the
right to refuse care in the manner it is set forth; however, it is up to the caregiver to find a way to
get the client to agree without breaking any rules or regulations.
Other issues that arise are when to report abuse or to avoid placing blame. Many do not
like to report abuse because they may feel like it is overstepping their boundaries or that it just
happens to be the way the family dynamic runs.
The state of Virginia has a mandated reporter law that essentially states that when a
person witnesses abuse or neglect they are expected to report the abuse or neglect to the proper
authorities. A mandated reporter can be a care giver whether its family or an outside source,
friend, neighbor, or acquaintance. The issue with that is no one is really trained in how to
recognize abuse outside of those who work in the health field and even then, it be suspected
abuse such as a bruise on an arm or part of the body. In the care giving field it is very
important to document daily activity and report anything that can be deemed an issue. The client
also has the right to privacy so one must be very careful in making the reports when they are not
life threatening. A life-threatening report when needed must be reported to the supervisor and
other legal entities when needed and with authorization from the company based on company
rules. The biggest conflict is knowing when to report an issue and also having the ability to care
but be able not to care on a personal level to where what happens to a client affects an employee
on a personal level. It takes years of experience to be able to get this mindset.

5. ETHICS AND PROFESSIONALISM 5
References
Anetzberger, G. J. (2016). Adult Protective Services-Issues and Trends. Retrieved from
http://medicine.jrank.org/pages/31/Adult-Protective-Services-Issues-trends.html
Barsky, A. (2011). To Report and Not to Report: That is the Ethical Dilemma. Retrieved from
http://www.socialworker.com/feature-articles/ethics-
articles/To_Report_or_Not_To_Report%3A_That_Is_the_Ethical_Dilemma/
History of Adult Protective Service. (2016). Retrieved from http://www.napsa-now.org/about-
napsa/history/history-of-adult-protective-services/