Assignment Task:
(1) Explain in detail the ethical dilemmas which are being faced by the care staff involved in case studies 3 and 6 in the assignment (300 - 400 words)
(2) Explain the deontological and utilitarian approaches to ethics and analyse their relevance to the ethical dilemma arising in case study 3 from the assignment. (500 - 700 words).
Case Study:
Lucy and Alan have been residents in the same care home for a number of years. Both have lost their spouses and, though they feel they could not live anywhere else, are mentally competent. They have recently become very close and seem to have a relationship, although their respective families do not seem to be aware how intimate they have become. One day when Alan's son is visiting, he goes into Alan's room to find Lucy and Alan in bed with each other. Alan's son demands that they be 'kept separate' as he feels Alan has been abused or he will move Alan (as he pays for Alan's care). Alan has said he feels this is entirely his business to do what he chooses as he has a right to privacy and a relationship and that no-one should interfere. The manager reluctantly agrees that she will try to do as Alan's son wishes.
Case Study:
Stella, a support worker in a supported living village, is worried about what she should do about Anna. Anna is a 22 year old woman who has mild to moderate learning difficulties and mental health problems with sometimes challenging behaviour. She is aware that Anna is about 5 stones overweight and is gaining weight. Her problems with weight management are linked to medication. However, the staff use food that she likes, especially sweets, cakes and ice cream, as a means of controlling her behaviour. Anna really looks forward to meal times and gets a lot of pleasure from eating. Any suggestion that food may not be forthcoming is a means which Stella has seen staff use to ensure Anna's compliance. Stella feels for her own good that Anna should be on a diet but fears that this would make her unhappy and that other staff would sabotage this plan.
Referencing any sources clearly (in-text and a bibliography).