Table 3.

Theoretical model Grasping the lifeline

LOSING the	GRASPING the	HOLDING on to the
LIFELINE	LIFELINE	LIFELINE
Lack of control	Taking control	In control
Being mastered by others	Striving to be one’s own master	One’s own master
Having HC assistants not suited to needs	Selecting HC assistants	HC assistants suited to needs
In unsafe hands	Seeking safe hands	In safe hands
Feeling unsafe in care procedures	Instructing unskilled HC assistants	Safe in care procedures
Feeling unseen and unheard	Trying to be seen and heard	Seen and heard
Insecure in the care system	Navigating the care system	Secure in the care system
Lack of interest	Making own contacts	Good contact
Lack of connection	Coordinating own care	Connection