In the “Related case”, autonomy is related to the
concept being studied, but is shown to have a different
meaning when examined closely (19). In autonomy,
freedom is included but does not comprise the entire
process.
Amy lives in an apartment with her husband. She
has considerable problems walking because of osteoarthritis.
She has the knowledge and ability to decide for
herself but is dependent on her husband of 40 years
who helps her into the shower and washes her legs and
feet. She feels that she can get help with showering in
accordance with her own free choice as long as her
husband is at home, which he usually is. She considers
it a freedom to avoid using home care services for
showering, maintaining her autonomy, although she
cannot control the process.