The relationship between social support and functional capacity in elderly persons with cognitive alterations

• Published in: Revista latino-americana de enfermagem Vol. 20; no. 4; pp. 677 - 684
• Main Authors: de Brito, Tábatta Renata Pereira, Pavarini, Sofia Cristina Iost
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English; Portuguese
• Published: Brazil Escola de Enfermagem de Ribeirão Preto / Universidade de São Paulo 01-07-2012
• Subjects: Activities of Daily Living; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Cognition Disorders - physiopathology; Cross-Sectional Studies; Female; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; NURSING; Social Support; Activities of Daily Living; Anciano; Trastornos del Conocimiento; Actividades Cotidianas; Idoso; Transtornos Cognitivos; Cognition Disorders; Apoyo Social; Social Support; Atividades Cotidianas; Aged; Apoio Social
• ISSN: 0104-1169; 1518-8345; 1518-8345; 0104-1169
• DOI: 10.1590/S0104-11692012000400007

The objective of this study was to identify the relationship between social support and the functional capacity of elderly persons with cognitive alterations. It is a descriptive, cross-sectional and quantitative study. The subjects were 101 elderly persons registered in Family Health Centers whose performance in the Mini-Exam for Mental Status was below a certain specified level in a previous study. The Medical Outcomes Study questionnaire, Katz Index and Pfeffer Questionnaire were applied. The dimensions of material, affective, emotional, informational and positive social interaction support resulted in an average final score of 74.32 points, indicating a better level of material and affective support in relation to the other dimensions of support. There was a statistically significant correlation between emotional support and the Katz Index. Knowledge about this relationship favors the development of a nursing care pathway for the elderly which is capable of maintaining their functional capacity and ensuring satisfactory social relations.