What If Maslow Was Wrong?

The purpose of this book is to create a dialogue among health providers, especially those in long-term care, regarding the tension between safety and autonomy when it comes to decision-making for older adults. When faced with difficult decisions regarding older adults (e.g., placement decisions) we often come down on the side of safety, citing Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs as the basis for that decision. Within the context of person-centered care, however, safety is not always what is most important to the older adult, at least not safety as defined by the health care providers. If we are to truly achieve person-centered care, we must be willing to honor the personal preferences of older adults, even if it involves a measure of risk. This book will explore the assumptions that underlie the clinical decision-making on behalf of older adults through case-based discussions and exercises designed to engage the reader in thoughtful analysis of these complex issues.