Exploring self-care health-related beliefs, values and attitudes with older patients.

Person-centred care is based on the notion that patients' independence and dignity is sustained during the care planning process. Negotiating person-centred care with the older person involves exploring their self-care beliefs, values and attitudes. This article discusses patient beliefs, values and attitudes in the context of self-care and suggests ways in which nurses might explore these as a collaborative enquiry. The author also describes the use of a simple reflective framework as a starting point for engaging in this exploration.