ABSTRACT
This chapter describes a paradoxical situation at Danish care homes for elderly people. According to the national policy in support of residents’ autonomy, the staff of such homes should listen carefully to the residents and promptly respond to their needs. Staff themselves describe how, by obtaining residents’ confidence, they become privy to residents’ lives and especially their past and present troubles with mental and physical impairments. Staff can use the information to respond effectively, nurture remaining mental and physical resources, and assist the residents in using them to supplement collective goals. The primary aim is to help residents to live their lives as they themselves prefer, for the benefit of everyone. It’s believed that this will empower residents to overcome the troubles caused by their impairments and support their autonomy.
