This week's discussion focuses on the concept of self-determination in long-term care. Please respond completely to the question prompts. Your response should cite the assigned readings using APA style, e.g., (author, date, page number). Please provide an APA style reference section at the end of your post for all sources cited in your response.

Briefly define autonomy. How central is autonomy to other ethical issues in long-term care? What are three ways that long-term care addresses a loss in functional independence? What has impacted the ability of consumers to participate in decisions about their care over time? Why is self-determination in long-term care particularly important to long-term care consumers?