“Honesty is the best policy.” Is it always? Telling lies, or the more acceptable “little white lies,” serves to circumvent difficult situations in hopes of saving feelings (more often our own) or of escaping difficult situations. Are they the exception to the rule? The consideration of integrity and transparency makes for an often muddled interpretation of just what it means to be forthright and honorable.
When faced with circumstances such as identity confusion, misremembered reminiscences, or failing to understand that past abilities, such as driving the family car, are no longer in their skillset, the “truth” can be confusing and downright upsetting. Logic no longer serves as a shared reality. And, more importantly, it doesn’t work. Truth can be confusing and downright upsetting. Paranoia and agitation often accompany the disconnect. A clash of wills…and wont’s.
Enter the “fiblet”. At the World Alzheimer’s Conference in July 2,000 the term “geriatric fiblet” was introduced as “necessary white lies to redirect loved ones or discourage them from detrimental behavior."
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