The myriad strategies for seeking control in the dying process

This study explored the role control plays in the dying process of terminally ill elders by investigating the aspects of the dying process over which they seek to exercise control, the strategies they use, and whether they desire to exercise more control.

In-depth face-to-face interviews were conducted with 84 terminally ill elders receiving hospice care. Directed and conventional content analysis methods were used to identify main themes and patterns.

The results revealed that all 84 elders were using at least 1 primary control strategy in their dying process, 83 of whom did so in combination with another primary or compensatory secondary control strategy. Decision making, independence, mental attitude, instrumental activities of daily living, activities of daily living, and relationships were aspects of the dying process over which the respondents sought to exercise control. Over half of the respondents wanted more control; however, they felt their illness prevented it.

The findings highlight the importance of terminally ill elders' having opportunities to exercise control in their dying process. Practitioners need to ensure that these opportunities exist and to be aware that elders are adaptive and use multiple strategies in exercising control.