Family Assistance and Autonomy in the Lives of Rural Elders

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3 Scopus citations

Abstract

This research seeks to better understand how rural elders receive assistance from family members while still maintaining a sense of autonomy. In-depth interviews with rural elders explored both assistance and autonomy. Results indicate that rural elders are able to receive assistance from family members while maintaining autonomy through a range of strategies, including purposefully giving over control to others when needed and relinquishing control before it is taken away. Lessons learned here guide formal service providers to permit elders to direct their own care planning and implementation, thereby allowing them to maintain a level of autonomy.

Original languageAmerican English
JournalMarriage and Family Review
Volume49
DOIs
StatePublished - Jan 1 2013

Disciplines

  • Sociology
  • Social and Behavioral Sciences

Keywords

  • Autonomy
  • Family assistance
  • Lives
  • Rural elders

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