Orem's Self-Care Theory

Human beings possess common needs for the consumption of materials necessary to sustain life.

Human beings require various actions to promote their growth and development throughout different life stages.

Deviation from normal structure and function well-being requires actions to reduce occurrences and also to control the effects of any deprivation.

Self-care includes DELIBERATE actions to meet an obvious need for care.

Every person's knowledge of probable health problems is essential for promoting self-care behaviors.

The way an individual engages in self-care varies because of influences from his or her culture and environment.

(Taken from A Foundational Analysis of Dorothea Orem's Self-Care Theory and Evaluation of Its Significance for Nursing Practice and Research, Creative Nursing, Volume 23, Issue 1, 2017)

Deliberate action is CRUCIAL for self-care.

Deliberate action is NOT innate; rather, it is learned through communication and human interaction.

For patients to perform deliberate actions, patients should be aware of their conditions and situations and the difficulties associated with them.

Patients should have the capacities to manage these difficulties in the best possible ways.