Promoting autonomy and independence for older people within nursing practice: an observational study

• Although autonomy and independence are widely held to be important goals of care for older people, these terms lack precise definition and operationalization in the literature. • This paper reports on observational data gathered as part of an evaluation of educational programmes in the nursing care of older people. • Strategies which appear both to promote and inhibit autonomy and independence of older patients in a range of care settings are described. • Recommendations are made for further research to explore the extent to which autonomy and independence are appropriate goals of care for older people with cognitive impairment.