The Erosion of Autonomy in Long-Term Care - Softcover

Lidz, Charles W.; Fischer, Lynn; Arnold, Robert M.

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0195073940 ISBN 13: 9780195073942

Publisher: Oxford University Press, 1992

Synopsis

In few places in American society are adults so dependent on others as in nursing homes. Minimizing this dependency and promoting autonomy has become a major focus of policy and ethics in gerontology. Yet most of these discussions are divorced from the day-to-day reality of long-term care and are implicitly based on concepts of autonomy derived from acute medical care settings. Promoting autonomy in long-term care, however, is a complex task which requires close attention to everyday routines and a fundamental rethinking of the meaning of autonomy.
This timely work is based on an observational study of two different types of settings which provide long-term care for the elderly. The authors offer a detailed description of the organizational patterns that erode autonomy of the elderly. Their observations lead to a substantial rethinking of what the concept of autonomy means in these settings. The book concludes with concrete suggestions on methods to increase the autonomy of elderly individuals in long-term care institutions.

About this title

About the Author:

Charles W. Lidz, Lynn Fischer, and Robert M. Arnold are all at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine.

Review:

"This is an inspirational, even uplifting, book. Lidz, Fischer and Arnold do solid work in distinguishing among the various kinds of autonomy. They are careful to inform policy makers, nursing-home staffs, and the gerontology community generally of what moves are most likely to bring about
the minor revolution they aim for." --Clinical Gerontologist

"Fascinating....A useful compendium on one of society's persistent and pervasive ills....A book for departmental libraries, though to be read by all..." --Tom Aire, Psychiatrist, Nottingham, International Journal of Epidemiology

"Richly illustrates the difficulties of supporting a patient's everyday or actual autonomy....Intellectually important, revelatory...offers insights that must be the basis on which real reform is crafted..." --Martha Holstein, Medical Humanities Review

"The authors present a clear conceptual and historical framework which sets the context for the study's rationale and findings."--Disabilities Studies Quarterly

About this edition

• Publisher: Oxford University Press
• Publication date: 1992
• ISBN 10: 0195073940
• ISBN 13: 9780195073942
• Binding: Paperback
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 216