Long-term care of the aged: ethical dilemmas and solutions.

This article identifies the need to rethink beliefs and assumptions about the bioethics of long-term care of elderly people. An unconventional way of conceptualizing autonomy is explored that may help occupational therapists support and maintain the independence of older frail and dependent persons. In addition, the partnership model of bioethics is introduced-that is, an ethical framework that makes partners of family members in health care decisions affecting the older adult.