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Living with Uncertainty: Older Persons’ Lived Experience of Making Independent Decisions over Time

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  • Agneta Breitholtz
  • Ingrid Snellman
  • Ingegerd Fagerberg

Abstract

The aim of the study was to illuminate the meaning of older persons’ independent decision making concerning their daily care. Autonomy when in care is highly valued in the western world. However, research shows that autonomy can give rise to problematic issues. The complexity of independence and dependence for older people when living at home with help has also been highlighted. In Sweden, older people are increasingly expected to live at home with help from municipal home care services, and study into this aspect of care is limited. This study is a part of an ongoing project and has a qualitative life world perspective. Audiotaped narrative interviews were conducted and analysed using a phenomenological hermeneutic method. Findings revealed a main theme: “living with uncertainty as to how to relate one’s own independence and dependence with regard to oneself, and others.” This involves a constant process of relating to one’s independence controlled by others or oneself, and adjusting one’s independence and dependence with regard to oneself and others. The conclusion is that professional carers need to acknowledge the changing vulnerability of dependent older persons over time. The implication is a relational approach to autonomy beyond the traditional individualistic approach.

Suggested Citation

  • Agneta Breitholtz & Ingrid Snellman & Ingegerd Fagerberg, 2013. "Living with Uncertainty: Older Persons’ Lived Experience of Making Independent Decisions over Time," Nursing Research and Practice, Hindawi, vol. 2013, pages 1-8, March.
  • Handle: RePEc:hin:jnlnrp:403717
    DOI: 10.1155/2013/403717
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Nicholson, C. & Meyer, J. & Flatley, M. & Holman, C. & Lowton, K., 2012. "Living on the margin: Understanding the experience of living and dying with frailty in old age," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 75(8), pages 1426-1432.
    2. Claire Welford & Kathy Murphy & Meredith Wallace & Dympna Casey, 2010. "A concept analysis of autonomy for older people in residential care," Journal of Clinical Nursing, John Wiley & Sons, vol. 19(9‐10), pages 1226-1235, May.
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