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