A “Model case” is an example from “real life” that
illustrates the concept, and includes all the defining
attributes (19). The attributes are marked in italics.
Mary lives in a senior housing unit. She is an older
lady, who exercises self-determination in life. She is
used to managing her daily activities and still does so,
with the exception of showering, for which she
requires assistance from the home care service twice
a week. She has the ability and knowledge to decide for
herself, and based on her ethical and legal rights and her
own free choice, she has decided that she wants to shower
on Tuesday and Friday mornings. The same woman
from the home care service helps her shower, which
feels right for her ethically. They have known each other
for some time and get along very well. She helps Mary
wash her hair and back. Mary feels she can determine
the entire activity of showering, and the woman from
the home care service respects that. Thus, Mary has
control in the process.
Step