Geriatric nurses describe ethical challenges posed by pandemic

Two respected geriatric nurses this month shared their thoughts on the ethical challenges faced by those caring for older adults during the COVID-19 pandemic in a recent editorial. Policies preventing caregivers from entering hospitals with sick older adults may make sense during a pandemic, but such policies fail to account for the vital role caregivers play in supporting the health of older adults. Similarly, discharging patients who will not benefit from intensive care may be the best use of limited hospital resources, but the practice can burden families and others ill-prepared to provide at-home care. The authors also point out the challenges of communicating compassionately, citing some public health messaging about COVID-19 and older adults. “Words are powerful and how we talk about older adults may impact their care,” they write. The article includes links to resources for professionals and others who care for older adults. (Journal of Gerontological Nursing editorial, 4/8/20)