Abstract

This study compared 23 nursing home residents’ and 23 nursing assistants’ control perceptions over the residents’ activities of daily living. Residents’ perceptions were measured with Chang’s Situational Control of Daily Activities (SCDA). Nursing assistants’ perceptions were measured by an investigator designed questionnaire, the Questionnaire of Activities of Daily Living (QADL). Scores of each group were compared using the ^ test which found both groups perceived a high degree of control over the residents’ activities. Based on this finding, the hypothesis that no significant difference in perceived control over residents’ daily activities exists between nursing home residents and nursing assistants was rejected. An additional finding was that nursing home residents’ perceptions of self control over their daily activities correlated significantly, when using Pearson’s v_, with their functional ability as measured by the Functional Assessment Form (FAF). The Geriatric Nurse Clinician can utilize results of this study in various care settings by affording clients maximum perceived control over their lives through shared decision making and providing for maximum client independent functioning. In the roles of practi­ tioner, counselor, educator and consultant, the Geriatric Nurse Clinician can assist other care providers to apply findings of this study to the development of policies, programs and procedures to enhance the elderly’s control perceptions.

Degree

Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)

Department

Graduate Nursing

Degree Date

8-1-1985

Publication Number

27924575

First Advisor

Rayna Skinner

Second Advisor

Phyllis Werner

Third Advisor

Mary Patricia Curtis

Document Type

Thesis

Included in

Nursing Commons

COinS