title: Defining the concept of self-care.
abstract: Self-care is a concept frequently referred to in both the theory and the clinical practice of nursing. This article presents an overview of self-care theory as described by Henderson, Hall, and Orem. Self-care theory operates on the assumption that all individuals have a need to care for themselves. While this premise may be true, it poses difficult questions for the nurse who must intervene with patients who refuse to achieve their maximum level of independence. When a disease process occurs that alters self-image, some patients (particularly elderly females who have cared for others most of their adult lives) may consciously opt to become the ones cared for. This choice gives them a temporary sense of control over a situation in which they feel helpless. When nursing care is directed toward returning control of the situation to the patient, the process of self-care and healing can begin.
authors.forename: K L
authors.initials: KL
authors.lastname: Easton
mesh_terms: D000203:Activities of Daily Living; D005260:Female; D006380:Helplessness, Learned; D006801:Humans; D007389:Internal-External Control; D008297:Male; D009742:Nursing Theory; D012046:Rehabilitation / Q000451:nursing; D012648:Self Care; D012649:Self Concept