Priority 12 from the Multiple Conditions in Later Life PSP

UNCERTAINTY: How do older people with multiple conditions perceive their independence? What are the most important factors in maintaining this independence? (JLA PSP Priority 12)
Overall ranking	12
JLA question ID	0064/12
Explanatory note	This question arose from health care professionals originally. They were concerned about the psychological impact of falling. Interestingly, during face to face work in interim priority setting, asking older people directly about this question garnered a rich stream of narrative about the impact that fear of falling had upon them and they frequently shortlisted this question within their top 10.
Evidence	None identified that applied directly to all conditions in the over 85s
Health Research Classification System category	Generic Health Relevance

Extra information provided by this PSP
Original uncertainty examples	'She has to balance her need for care with her desire for independence. She just has to accept this balancing act. Because she is well integrated with her family and she can pay for her carer she is okay.' Older person 'What risks are they prepared to take to maintain independence?' Health professional
Submitted by	All forms of respondent - patients, carers, health and social care professionals

PSP information
PSP unique ID	0064
PSP name	Multiple Conditions in Later Life
Total number of uncertainties identified by this PSP.	97 (To see a full list of all uncertainties identified, please see the detailed spreadsheet held on the JLA website)
Date of priority setting workshop	24 April 2018