Upholding Dignity in Hospitalized Elders

Caring for the elderly in today's acute care setting can be a challenging and complex process. Regardless of whether the interventions provided by caregivers are physical or psychosocial, one of the basic tenets of caring for elderly is to uphold their dignity. The concept of dignity is defined and challenges to maintaining dignity for elderly in the acute care setting are described. Strategies and recommendations for education, practice, research, and policy development are outlined to assist nurses in ensuring that elders receive the dignified care that they deserve.