Recalibrating Privacy Rule in the Eldercare Family

Abstract

Family members are often a critical source of care for individuals encountering age-related health and ability issues. This case study sheds light on the eldercare family by exploring the privacy challenges families face while caring for an older family member. The Williams, a fictional family created on a composite of the author’s experiences interviewing eldercare families, are challenged by decisions to discuss their aging mother’s finances, abilities, and health information, among other topics. Questions are posed, including what reasons eldercare families may avoid discussing health information and what face concerns may prevent families from talking openly about declining abilities to live alone and drive.