What is a common ethical issue that nursing home administrators may face?

Balancing residents' autonomy with safety concerns is indeed a common ethical issue faced by nursing home administrators. This involves navigating the delicate situation where residents have the right to make their own choices and decisions regarding their care and daily activities. However, those choices may sometimes conflict with safety protocols or the best practices recommended for their health and well-being.

For instance, a resident may wish to engage in an activity that poses a potential risk to their safety, such as wandering outside unsupervised or refusing certain medical treatments. The administrator's role involves not only honoring the resident's rights and preferences but also ensuring that appropriate measures are in place to protect them from harm. This balancing act requires a deep understanding of ethical principles, legal responsibilities, and compassionate communication with both residents and their families.

In contrast, issues like maximizing profit margins, deploying staff without training, and restricting visiting hours, while they may present challenges in a nursing home setting, are often more managerial or logistical rather than ethical dilemmas. They might raise concerns about operational efficiency or customer satisfaction but do not typically invoke the same level of ethical complexity as the consideration of patient autonomy versus safety.