Dimensions assigned to Long Term Care Facilities by managers and health professionals: interfaces and contradictions

Abstract

Objective: to analyze the dimensions assigned to long term care facilities for the elderly (LTCFs) by managers and health professionals. Method: a descriptive-exploratory study with a qualitative approach was conducted in the metropolitan area of Belo Horizonte, through ten focus groups with 51 managers and health professionals. Analysis was based on the content of the interviews. Results: considering the most common themes, three empirical categories emerged that explained the consensuses and contradictions present in the empirical material: a) the LTCF and the perpetuation of the asylum space; b) the LTCF as a space for health treatment c) a home: convergences and contradictions in the LTCF. Initially, findings relating to the political definition of the LTCF directly linked to social organs are evidenced. In the second category, LTCFs are described negatively, perpetuating the stigma of the term "asylum" which still reverberates in their daily lives. As a treatment space, LTCFs are considered health facilities due to the services offered and the presence of health professionals on a daily basis. In the third analysis, they are recognized as a home, based on current legislation that describes the LTCF as a collective, residential area. Conclusion: it is important to discuss the different attributes given to the LTCF to create resolutive actions in the care of the institutionalized elderly. The importance of thinking about the rights to health of the elderly and the need to understand how they inhabit this space is also emphasized.

Aspectos sociodemograficos, qualidade de vida e saúde do idoso institucionalizado

“…in legislation; In contrast, most institutions only provide the demand for health care due to the degree of dependence and distinct health / disease characteristics of elderly residents. 4,[9][10] The majority of the study population consisted of widowed or single elderly, with children and income of one minimum wage, without a home, with up to four years of study, and the average time of living in the LTCF was four years. It was pointed out by a study that 76% of the elderly interviewed had the decision to move to the institution by intervention of other people and without their own will.…”

“…14 Given the above, it is evident that there is a growing need to redefine the vision attributed to the LTCF, not only by society, but also by the professionals involved and the population served, in order to change the stereotype associated historically with the term asylum and to promote policies that act in health promotion and health conditions of these individuals. 4 A small number of researches have been found for institutionalized elderly, although there is a growing interest in health and aging in the scientific literature. It is allowed, by assessing the physical, psychological, social and cultural conditions of this group, to broaden the understanding of their health needs.…”

“…Due to this phenomenon of population aging and the consequent search for LTCFs, a new reality is emerging, resulting in the need to redefine this form of care for the elderly, generating significant care practices that consider the individual aging process not only by the professionals involved, but also for family, senior and community. 2,4 The process of institutionalization tends to occur in two different ways: the first when the process of institutionalization occurs against the will of the elderly, resulting from the rupture in the family process. This process is due to family insufficiency in face of the imitations evidenced in the aging process, making the care process difficult.…”

Contenção ambiental de idosos nas instituições de longa permanência em tempos de Covid-19: reflexão teórica

“…Faz-se necessário pensar e implementar uma política de cuidado brasileira para inclusão dos cuidados de longa duração, considerando a complexidade que estes demandam 17 . Publicação do estudo "The Brazilian Longitudinal Study of Aging" (ELSI-BRASIL) destaca que o índice de multimorbidade, que é a ocorrência de duas ou mais doenças crônicas simultâneas, acomete 64% dos idosos e está associado ao declínio funcional, mortalidade e baixa qualidade de vida 18 .…”

The practice of care in long-term care facilities for the elderly: a challenge for the training of professionals

“…Although some LTCFs emphasize that they carry out sporadic training of caregivers, arguing that that more frequent training is unnecessary and citing a lack of financial and professional resources, such approaches are still focused on techniques, first aid and nutrition 26 . It is important to extend approaches to the elderly during the aging process, through expanded clinical care and the humanization of care, building new meanings for care in the LTCF through the work of care professionals and managers, in order to overcome the charitable and assistancebased vision of institutions.…”