Ethics

Publications
Vita

S_Schmidt3

Stephanie Schmidt - Diplom-Soziologin, M.mel.

Network Aging Research
Bergheimer Straße 20
D-69115 Heidelberg

Phone: +49 (0)6221 54 81 28
st.schmidt@nar.uni-heidelberg.de

Fellows: Prof. Dr. Klaus Tanner, Prof. Dr. Andreas Kruse

 

Autonomy and dementia – What promotes or disturb autonomy / self-determination of dementia sufferers in nursing home

Dementia in old age is regarded as a threat. In connection with dementia emerge several changes that are perceived as threatening. Families report changes in personality among the affected relatives, as well as the loss of autonomy, the inability to make one’s own decisions and therefore the loss of control of one’s life. Because of these negative views, yet-existing decision-making skills can be overlooked. Even in advanced stages of dementia, wants and needs can be expressed through facial expressions and gestures.

Part of this dissertation will be to assess the definition of “person” and its applicability to people with dementia. In the philosophical literature, prevailing definitions of ‘person’ and ’personhood’ emphasize skills that are lost due to dementia. Does this mean that an individual with dementia (PwD) is no longer a ‘person’? The dissertation will also address concepts of autonomy in dementia. Is there a connection in the literature between autonomy and dementia? Professional caregivers are interviewed on these topics. How should seemingly vague statements of PwD be approached? How should defenses be handled? Are reactions identified by caregivers as statements of the person or viewed as a ‘side effect’ of the disease?

Publications

  • Schmidt, S. (2010). Die Beeinflussung ärztlicher Tätigkeit [The influencing of medical activity]. In H. Lilie (Hrsg.), Schriftenreihe Medizin Ethik Recht, Band 21.

  • Schmidt. S. (2008). Soziale Unterstützung am Arbeitsplatz [Social support in the workplace]. In A. Weber (Hrsg.), Gesundheit – Arbeit – Rehabilitation [Health – Work – Rehabilitation]. Eine Festschrift für Wolfgang Slesina.. Regensburg: Roderer Verlag.

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Vita

2001 - 2008

Studium der Soziologie an der Universität Halle-Wittenberg, Diplomarbeit zum Thema „Soziale Unterstützung am Arbeitsplatz“

2008 Diplom in Soziologie
2008 - 2009

Masterstudiengang Medizin Ethik Recht an der Universität Halle Wittenberg

2009 Master of Medicine, Ethics and Law (M.mel.)
2008 - 2009

Wissenschaftliche Mitarbeiterin am Institut für Gesundheits- und Pflegewissenschaft Universität Halle; Projekt: „Screening zur Identifikation rehabilitationsbedürftiger Arbeitsuchender in den Agenturen für Arbeit und bei Leistungsträgern des SGB II“ (SCIRE)

2009 - 2010

Wissenschaftliche Mitarbeiterin an der Sektion Medizinische Soziologie Universität Halle; Projekt: „Besuchsdienste von Selbsthilfegruppen“ in Zusammenarbeit mit Deutsche ILCO e.V., Frauenselbsthilfe nach Krebs e.V., in Kooperation mit dem BKK Bundesverbandseit

seit 9/2010 Member of the NAR "Graduate Program Dementia", Heidelberg University

 

 

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Latest Revision: 2014-02-05