Experiences of Self-Determination By Older Persons Living in Sheltered Housing

Abstract

Respect for autonomy and self-determination is a central principle in nursing ethics. Autonomy and quality of life are strongly connected, and, at the same time, autonomy is an important quality indicator on how older persons' housing functions. In this study, autonomy was conceived as self-determination. The aim of the study was to describe how older people living in sheltered housing experience self-determination and how they are valued as human beings. Eleven persons living in five different housing facilities for older people in southern Sweden were interviewed. The data were analysed by manifest and latent qualitative content analysis. The overall theme expressing the latent content in the interviews emerged as disempowerment, which implied an environment that does not strengthen individual self-determination. The results showed a negative experience of how these older people thought they were valued in the sheltered housing where they lived. In sheltered housing, more attention should be paid to residents' self-determination and sense of value.

Key characteristics of age-friendly cities and communities: A review

“…Home care assistance and technological devises (such as panic buttons) can also reduce injuries and other risks to enable older persons to age in place and retain independence for longer (Simpson, 2010). This is because relocating to a care home can bring about feelings of disempowerment as independence is lost through have to adhere to new routines, decisions with consultations and negative attitudes of care home staff (Cheng, Rosenberg, Wang, Yang, & Li, 2011;Hellstrom & Sarvimaki, 2007).…”

Prevalence and predictors of healthcare utilization among older people (60+): Focusing on ADL dependency and risk of depression

“…This has been demonstrated earlier (Landi, et al, 2004;Condelius, et al, 2010) and the reason may be that those dependent in IADL are still capable of contacting and seeking medical healthcare, but when the dependency increases and also includes PADL they have more difficulties actually doing so. Another reason may be that those dependent in PADL have more formal help and therefore both less self-determination (Hellstrom & Sarvimaki, 2007) and a loss of power (Kristensson, et al, 2010) with the staff possibly having a moderating effect on healthcare utilization.…”

A meaningful daily life in nursing homes - a place of shelter and a space of freedom: a participatory appreciative action reflection study

“…The need for moving to a nursing home for support can be experienced as dependence [5-8], and along with the loss of physical function can lead to loss of autonomy [9], affecting dignity [6,7,9] and reducing freedom [10]. Bergland och Kirkevold [11] found that relationships with other older persons at nursing homes were an opportunity to have thriving experiences.…”

“…Hasson and Arnetz [19] reveal that older persons only receive good care in nursing homes when it came to their basic needs, and Hellström and Sarvimäki [8] and Harnett [20] found that the environment does not enhance individual autonomy. Harnett also found that staff used routines as power to control older persons and did not listen to their opinions [20], which can result in impersonal care [21].…”

“…Staff can also be stressed and have difficulty keeping up with the work [8,24]. As a result, they may transfer their own values to the older persons, for example, by determining what is best for a person without regard for their opinions.…”