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.