Chapter Four

Mental health professionals contribute in important ways to both the clinical and ethical issues raised by cases of elder mistreatment. Their clinical competencies contribute to improving quality of life by diminishing psychological suffering and the symptoms of mental illness. They are also used for managing the ethical issues raised by these cases. The ethics of mental health care are based on the values of beneficence, nonmaleficence, autonomy, and justice. The value of autonomy in mental health care gives priority to an individual's long-term ability to act as independently, rationally, and fully in all aspects of life as possible. The concepts of legal and clinical competence also aid in managing the ethical problems represented by cases of elder mistreatment. The ethical protocols of mental health professionals may be distinguished from some other disciplines by the premium given to long-term autonomy and by the aim of insuring treatment for all persons involved in cases of elder mistreatment, rather than limiting treatment responsibilities to the victim.