A mudança de modelo assistencial de cuidado ao idoso na Saúde Suplementar:identificação de seus pontos-chave eobstáculos para implementação

• Published in: Physis (Rio de Janeiro, Brazil) Vol. 26; no. 4; p. 1383
• Main Authors: de Oliveira, Martha Regina, Renato Peixoto Veras, Hesio de Albuquerque Cordeiro, Pasinato, Maria Teresa
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: Portuguese
• Published: Rio de Janeiro Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro, Instituto de Medicina Social 01-01-2016
• Subjects: Age groups; Aging; Chronic illnesses; Disease; Elder care; Health education; Health services; Long term health care; Older people; Prevention; Quality of care; Quality of life; Rehabilitation; Risk factors; Scientific knowledge
• ISSN: 0103-7331; 1809-4481
• DOI: 10.1590/s0103-73312016000400016

From a critical analysis of current models of health care for the elderly, this article proposes a care line for this age group, focusing on the promotion and health prevention in order to avoid overloading the health system. It emphasizes the supplementary sector, since a quarter of the population uses this system, a more thorough discussion is needed. Scientific knowledge has correctly identified the risk factors for the elderly, but this is not enough. It is a priority to use this knowledge to make the necessary transition from the clinical care to preventive model. This needs to be configured as a stream of education initiatives, health promotion, prevention of preventable diseases, postponement of diseases, early care and rehabilitation of injuries. There is no denying the importance of heavy bodies (hospital, long-term care facilities, etc.), but we are particularly concerned about an approach that improves the quality of life and decrease costs. If not so, the system becomes impractical.