Law and Ethics Practice Exam

What is the best approach for a therapist when a son wants to convince his elderly father to move into assisted living against the father's wishes?

1. Discuss the importance of self-determination with the son and father and provide a referral for home assistance services.

2. Explore the risks of the father staying in his home and his fears of assisted living.

3. Discuss the pros and cons of assisted living facilities.

4. Assess for potential self-neglect and discuss expectations of treatment.

The correct answer is: Assess for potential self-neglect and discuss expectations of treatment.

The best approach in this scenario focuses on assessing potential self-neglect and discussing expectations of treatment. This is particularly important because the elderly father may face challenges that could compromise his well-being if he remains in his home, such as physical health issues, cognitive decline, or social isolation. By assessing for self-neglect, the therapist can evaluate the father's ability to care for himself adequately. This assessment can lead to open discussions about his needs and promote understanding of the potential benefits of assisted living in ensuring his safety and well-being. In this context, addressing self-neglect can help to clarify the father's situation and any limitations he might have, while also empowering him to express his concerns and preferences regarding his living arrangement. This dialogue is essential for maintaining the father's dignity and autonomy while navigating the complexities of his care needs. Although exploring the risks of staying at home or discussing the pros and cons of assisted living could provide valuable insights, they may not be as comprehensive in addressing the father's individual condition. Engaging the son in conversations about self-determination is important, but it may not fully encompass the father's unique circumstances and feelings regarding the proposed change in living situation. Thus, the focus on self-neglect clarifies the issues at hand and supports a more tailored approach