Supporting the Independence of Elderly Residents Through Control Over Their Environment

Increasing loss of control over one's life is associated with reduced interdependence and wellbeing in the elderly. A housing organization tries to prolong the independence of its residents by reinforcing the sense of competence endangered by age associated deterioration. Competence is enhanced by providing residents with genuine control over their lives and through access to real choices in necessities, in social contacts, in services and facilities. Choice and control are supported even at the cost of some increased resident risk-taking. A case study is presented showing the failure of a well-designed meals program without sufficient opportunity for choice and control. The paper concludes by citing conflicts which result from this approach, both for staff, internally, and externally with other community organizations which expect elderly to be cared for.