ABSTRACT
This book has identified the limitations of an individualistic understanding of the concept of autonomy and has outlined a conceptual framework for autonomy based on the theory of authentic consciousness. It has been argued that changes to the way gerontological nursing practice is conceptualised and conceived in practice are necessary if nurses are to facilitate an older person’s authentic consciousness whilst in hospital. What is the practical reality of such a proposal? Any theory that calls for action to be transformed, must not only spell out those aspects that require changing, but it should also provide an action-plan indicating how and by whose action this change is to take place (Fay, 1987).
