Long-stay institutions for the elderly: a place of care for those who have no choice?

• Published in: Revista brasileira de enfermagem Vol. 67; no. 5; p. 773
• Main Authors: de Oliveira, Janine Melo, Rozendo, Célia Alves
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: Portuguese
• Published: Brazil 01-09-2014
• Subjects: Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Female; Homes for the Aged; Humans; Institutionalization; Male
• ISSN: 0034-7167
• DOI: 10.1590/0034-7167.2014670515

This is a descriptive, qualitative research, with comprehensive approach, which aimed to understand the meaning that the longterm institution has to institutionalized elderly. Data were collected with 13 institutionalized elderly in the period from April 5 to May 25, 2013, through narrative interview, and subjected to content analysis, in the form of thematic analysis. The results indicated that being elderly institutionalized means having their care needs met, with respect to their basic needs; access to health services and resources, and to have a place where they can grow old and die. The study concluded that the institution appears as an ambiguous place for the elderly because, even embracing and housing them and meeting their needs, is an environment that prevents the independent and autonomous life.