There is limited research addressing both resident and staff perceptions regarding the autonomy of institutionalized elderly residents, particularly in relation to their daily activities. This study determined residents' and their caregivers' perceptions of residents' latitude of choice regarding daily living activities. The study was conducted in two intermediate care facilities within Vancouver B.C. Study questionnaires were provided to 45 intermediate care residents and 45 nurses. Through three non-parametric statistical techniques, significant differences were found to exist between residents' and staff's perceptions. The study findings indicated that residents' extent of choice over daily activities of importance to them may not be realized to a greater extent if the staff do not attach a similar degree of importance to a particular activity. This study also indicates that, with some activities, staff do not perceive residents associating little or no choice with activities of particular importance to them.
