Long-term care facilities for the elderly: from legislation to needs

Abstract

Objective: to analyze existing federal legislation on public policies that deal with the elderly’s rights, with emphasis onthe assistance provided in long-term care facilities for the elderly and the practical impact of these laws. Methods: this is adocumentary analysis of descriptive character. Results: one identified, among nineteen laws, decrees and ordinances in thelast 25 years, significant developments aimed at the elderly’s welfare, as well as structural proposals and the supervisionof long-term care institutions. Conclusion: the analysis conducted in the documents allowed the conclusion that the needspoint to the decentralization of institutions, increase of vacancies and bigger financial investment of public institutions.

Long-stay institutions for the elderly: physical-structural and organizational aspects

“…Thus, there is the configuration of a reality in healthcare that does not see the elderly and, hence, reinforces their exclusion. 19 The lack of leisure activities for the elderly was also reported in a study carried out in São Paulo, where 62.5% of the institutions investigated did not provide this service. 17 Consequently, there may be little interaction among residents, excessive idle time, or only their involvement in passive activities.…”

“…5 Despite the legal framework on the operation of LSIEs, the resources needed for existing demand are still lacking. 19 RDC No. 283/2005 states that all LSIEs must have an up-todate permit issued by the local government Health Department and must have a TO with a diploma.…”

“…19 The need to provide health services is justified by the profile of the elderly; many are bedridden, with a risk of falling, in a situation of social isolation, with chronic non-transmissible, dependent diseases, 18,19 debilitated, with skin lesions and taking various medications. Thus, a multi-professional team plays an important role in institutionalized elderly care.…”

“…22 Because of this the elderly are exposed to the risk of receiving unqualified care with the potential of incurring injuries. 19 One study carried out in 14 LSIEs in a municipality of the state of Rio Grande do Sul identified the presence of a multiprofessional team formed by nurses, psychologists, a physical educator, nutritionist and physiotherapist. However, the highest number of professionals and greatest workload are concerned with nursing, probably due to the work activities of the profession, which involves planning care and providing direct care for the basic needs of the elderly.…”

Análise do tema violência nas políticas de cuidado de longa duração ao idoso

“…The need for more educational, formative and training actions for professionals working at LTCIEs was also addressed in six publications 28,31,33,34,38,39 . Lini et al 39 point out that Brazil has different realities, but that, in general, LT-CIEs have a very different standard than what is advocated in public policies: care activities are performed inappropriately, or professionals are not adequately qualified. Feliciani et al 29 point out that, besides the need for adequate human resources to meet the demand of residents, there is a lack of physical and material infrastructure, which are also crucial for the care of the elderly.…”