Autonomy, choice, and decision making: How nursing home social workers view their role

Open-ended interviews with 17 social workers from rural and urban Minnesota nursing homes explore how the practitioners perceive their roles in foster ing the autonomy and decision making of residents. The social workers' espo used theory of practice is organized under three dimensions of autonomy: fr ee action (supporting residents' choices), decision making (helping residen ts deliberate effectively), and continuity (maintaining a sense of self). T he interviewees strongly identify with an advocacy role; helping residents make decisions appears less salient. The discussion explores the interviewe es' perspectives and strategies, and suggests further research questions.