Multidimensional Assessment Of Institutionalized Elderly: The Reality Of A Brazilian Institution

Abstract

Background: The population aging in Brazil is characterized by the accumulation of progressive disabilities in their functional activities and daily life. To consider the elderlies in his/her multiple dimensions turns out to be a critical issue to improvetheir assistance to an institutionalized level, improving their health and quality of life. To perform a mini-overall evaluation of institutionalized elderly person to trace their profile in relation to the socio-demographic, functional capacity, nutritional status and cognition. Methods:Descriptive study, with a cross-sectional design and quantitative approach performed in a long -stay institution for the elderly in Natal, RN. The research was approved by the Research Ethics Committee of the Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, under opinion number 164/2011.Results: 63.3% of the elderly were female, with ages varying from 61 to 103 years. 60.0% were single; 56.7% were literate. 66.7% had