There is an acknowledgement in the literature that rural disasters have a significant impact on the well-being of individuals, families and communities. The major focus of the previous research has, however, been on the impact of economic losses with less recognition of the other psychosocial loss experiences that accompany the experience of rural disaster. This paper achieves a clear description of the experiences for individuals (trauma, stigma, sense of personal failure, loss of identity, diminished self esteem and family disruption) and communities (destroyed social cohesion, economic disharmony) caught up in the OJD disaster and explores the factors that individuals perceive as responsible for these outcomes. The mental health outcomes for individuals, such as, loss, grief and depression are also explored within this paper. This paper highlights the psychosocial complexity of the experience of rural disaster for individuals and communities significantly extending the current knowledge base in this area.

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The history surrounding the notion of 'informed consent' is provided in the interest of setting a framework for the emergence of an ethics of aged care. Informed consent negligence is seen as a breach of duty involving potential litigation through the legal concept of 'failure to warn'. Respect for the autonomy of older persons is highlighted as a cornerstone of care by medical professionals and family members. There remains the challenge, however, of caring for older people who do not have full decision-making capacity. Research involving older people creates a range of ethical issues that warrants the use of best practice principles that respect the autonomy, integrity, dignity and safety of older participants. The use of restraints as part of aged care is demonstrated to have implications for infringements of human rights. While promoting the importance between communication and ethics of care, a case is made for the adoption of a person-centred approach that acknowledges both the autonomy and personhood of older people. In relation to the quality of aged care and safety, the message for all caregivers is to ensure that all decisions large or small incorporate a genuine mix of ethical reflection, avoidance of unnecessary risks and prudent judgement that leads to the most beneficial course of action.

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