• Linda is a home health care manager. She has been seeing Mr. and Mrs. Jones for over a year. Mrs. Hones is suffering from advanced stages of dementia, and her husband, age 82, is committed to caring for their at home. Their son lives in another state; they have few friends still living, and Mr. Hones refuses respite services due to his wife's extreme fear of change and of strangers. Due to Mrs. Jones's frail condition. Linda has become increasingly concerned about his capacity to care for his wife, yet he has consistently refused to consider other options.
• What issues must Linda consider as she attempts to meet her ethical responsibility in this case?
• Would Linda be violating the code if she arranged respite care or a placement for Mrs. Jones?
• What information or circumstances might move your decision in one direction or another?
• What options are available to practice ethically and honor Mr. Jones's wishes?
• Juan is a social worker in a program for street kids. He has been working with Jim for several months, encouraging Jim to find stable housing and a less self-destructive lifestyle. Jim has told Juan that he is HIV+ and feels his life is, for all intents and purposes, over. Recently, Jim brought his new girlfriend, Karen, in with him for a meal at the shelter. The following day, Juan spoke with Jim about his HIV+ status and Karen's safety. Jim rejected Juan's advice that he tell Karen about his status, but now Juan wonders if he should tell her himself or respect Jim's choice.
• Is it ethical to support Jim's self-determination in this case?
• Would Juan be violating the Code of Ethics? If so, how:
• What information or circumstances might move your decision one direction or another?
• What steps could Juan take to resolve his ethical dilemma?