Dorothea Orem's Self-Care Theory is a nursing framework that emphasizes the importance of individuals taking responsibility for their own health. The theory is based on the idea that people can take care of themselves and that nursing should support and educate them in this process. It identifies three key components: self-care, self-care deficit, and nursing systems. The theory suggests that when individuals cannot meet their own self-care needs, a self-care deficit occurs. In such cases, nurses play a crucial role in assessing these needs and providing the necessary support, guidance, and interventions to help individuals regain their ability to care for themselves effectively.