ABSTRACT
This chapter suggests that taking a community, rather than individual perspective is of value in enhancing informed choice. A critical analysis of residential care in Australia highlights the issues that arise in implementing informed choice, a key value in theory, policy, and practice. Staff participated in groups designed to assist them to identify their personal and professional models of care, their differences and common experiences as care workers, to reflect upon and transform constraining uses of power embedded in taken-for-granted practices into choice enhancing practices. The policy changes have both restricted and enhanced choice over entry into residential facilities. Restrictions result from the capping of new residential facilities and the resultant reduction of residential places in the context of a growing aged population. Research and practice suggest, however, limitations in the capacity and willingness of residents and their representatives to exercise their rights and participate in decision making in the complex practice environments in which such strategies have been cited.
