Power and autonomy of older people in long-term care: cross-national comparison and learning

Abstract

It is argued in this chapter that older people who need long-term care are most likely to be physically or mentally frail, requiring involvement of multiple care services. It is for this reason that the power and autonomy of dependent older people is essential to ensure that quality of care is maintained. This chapter explores some solutions, focusing on the entire long-term care framework; England, the Netherlands and Taiwan are selected as representative of different welfare arrangements. It also highlights older people's experiences of social and personal barriers that are inhibiting them from becoming more actively socially and politically while in care. Further, it seeks to understand how their experiences of autonomy have affected their care and well-being.