Self-care in nursing home residents

The investigator observed four residents to explore the nature of self-care in the nursing home. The three themes identified showed that residents performed self-care and acted assertively but not to their full potential. Timing of care events and whether nurse or resident performed them were unpredictable, and residents demonstrated lack of information about scheduling and other routines. Residents not only frequently waited for events to occur but (also) both nurses and residents provided clues that nurse permission was necessary before proceeding. Residents expressed frustration due to lack of control.