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Chapter 1: Introduction and Background
The following consequences for a residential care unit facilitating resident
autonomy were identified:
Respect for dignity and for fellow human beings evident between staff, and
between staff and residents.
Staff retention.
Homely atmosphere.
Evidence of negotiated care plans, which include a focus on the residents’
social and recreational needs.
Life histories of the residents- knowing the person.
Observation of effective communication between staff, residents and
visitors.
The data collection tools for this study were designed from the concept analysis of
autonomy for older people in residential care. The antecedents, attributes and
consequences of autonomy were used to inform the development of the interview
schedules, the observation guide and the documentary analysis audit tool.
1.5 Rationale for the Research
The purpose of this case study is to explore autonomy for older people in residential
care in one residential care unit in Ireland.
The study is divided into two phases, with specific rationales and aims for each
phase.
1.5.1 Rationale for Phase One
The meaning and experience of autonomy for older people in residential care in
Ireland has not yet been explored. Interest in the current study stemmed from the
researcher’s own clinical experiences in gerontological nursing, and specifically in
residential care. Lack of resident autonomy was often observed. Barkay and Tabak
(2002) state that increased levels of autonomy lead to increased levels of resident
satisfaction, and decreased levels of routinised practice, thereby contributing overall
to the residents’ quality of life. It is evident from the relevant policy documents that