Case Study Analysis: Autonomy vs. Paternalism

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Case Study Analysis
Social workers’ role mainly involves providing aid to vulnerable people to help them cope with the various challenges they are facing in their lives. These challenges social workers help the community with vary and may help an individual cope with substance abuse, a family with a child battling a terminal illness, or the elderly in the hospice receiving palliative care. These are serious matters that truly affect people’s lives, so the right approach and analysis must be made to provide the best aid and care to help the clients cope and improve from their current state. In this paper, an analysis of the case concerning Guiseppe Marchesani will be discussed in detail, including ethical issues, ethical theories, and skills applicable to the given scenario.
The case involves an older man named Guiseppe Marchesani, living alone ever since his wife died five years ago. There was a report from a concerned neighbor about the deteriorating functional and mobility skills of Mr. Guiseppe, and upon the visit to his home, the report was confirmed, and there are already issues with the independent living situation of Mr. Guiseppe which may cause harm to his wellbeing. Mr. Guiseppe has an intense cough, which may be due to his chronic smoking habits. He also demonstrates impairments such as hearing difficulties and increased risk of falls. He can also not perform daily living activities such as washing the dishes and keeping the house sanitary. Mr. Guiseppe's safety is at risk because, at his current state, even old heating machines and repairs in the house may cause him harm.
Autonomy vs. Paternalism
The ethical issue applicable to Mr. Guiseppe's case is autonomy versus paternalism (Bowles et al., 2006). There are already signs that Mr. Guiseppe cannot live independently and that special attention and care are needed to address his health issues and deteriorating functional status. Although it is also evident that help is needed to ensure Mr. Guiseppe’s safety, he does not see it that way and prefers to be left alone. The ethical issue here arises because, as the social worker who witnessed the house's scenario, there is a social responsibility to prevent any harm to Mr. Guiseppe because of his current state. However, acting on this social responsibility and paternalism will interfere with Mr. Guiseppe's freedom, control, and autonomy over himself, particularly in deciding his welfare.
Ethical Theories
The presence of ethical theories provides a foundation for decision-making, especially when the dilemma is present. These theories help broaden the perspective on the situation with careful consideration of the different aspects involved and the factors that may be affected by each possible decision. The case of Mr. Guiseppe will be viewed and analyzed through ethical lenses to help with ethical decision-making. Analysis of the involved's ethical decision-making, specifically the social worker and the local resident/neighbor, will be discussed.
Deontological
In this ethical theory, the duties and obligations are prioritized and are deemed as positive and ethical. In our given case of Mr. Guiseppe, a...