The aim of the study was to illuminate the meaning of older personsââ?¬â?¢ independent decision making concerning their daily care.\r\nAutonomy when in care is highly valued in the western world. However, research shows that autonomy can give rise to problematic\r\nissues. The complexity of independence and dependence for older people when living at home with help has also been highlighted.\r\nIn Sweden, older people are increasingly expected to live at home with help frommunicipal home care services, and study into this\r\naspect of care is limited. This study is a part of an ongoing project and has a qualitative life world perspective. Audiotaped narrative\r\ninterviews were conducted and analysed using a phenomenological hermeneutic method. Findings revealed a main theme: ââ?¬Å?living\r\nwith uncertainty as to how to relate oneââ?¬â?¢s own independence and dependence with regard to oneself, and others.ââ?¬ÂThis involves a\r\nconstant process of relating to oneââ?¬â?¢s independence controlled by others or oneself, and adjusting oneââ?¬â?¢s independence and dependence\r\nwith regard to oneself and others. The conclusion is that professional carers need to acknowledge the changing vulnerability of\r\ndependent older persons over time. The implication is a relational approach to autonomy beyond the traditional individualistic\r\napproach.
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