Ethical, Legal and Forensic Issues in Geriatric Psychiatry

Abstract

Purpose of the review: To evaluate the ethical, legal and forensic issues that is faced by the older adult population.

Recent findings: Many older individuals will face a host of ethical, medical and legal issues associated with their care. Most prominent among these issues are the maintenance of autonomy while ensuring their safety and the safety of individuals who care for them. Decisions regarding end of life including the formulation of advance directives add to the complexity of care for these older adults. A significant portion of individuals in the criminal justice system are aging and many of these individuals have psychiatric disorders. Their care is compromised due to the lack of appropriate services within criminal justice system for providing care for these individuals.

Conclusions: Ethical, legal and forensic issues among older are not uncommon and complicate the care of these vulnerable individuals.

Keywords: Competence; Competence to stand trial; Decisional capacity; Guardianship; Living wills; Power of attorney.