Older Adults

This work presented the findings of a two phase study carried out to address the research objectives. The primary aim of this research was to explore autonomy for older people in residential care. This was the first exploration of this phenomena in Ireland. The secondary aim was to enhance one aspect of resident autonomy in the real world of practice. Some important conclusions were made regarding these issues, and the insights obtained provide a clearer picture regarding resident autonomy, which may usefully inform nursing practice, education and research.This research found a link between the resident's level of independence and the amount of autonomy they experienced, this suggests that further research is needed in order to explore ways in which staff and families involved in residential care can better facilitate residents to delegate their needs when their independence is impaired.