Family health strategy and older adults with dementia: Care provided by health professionals

Abstract

This is a qualitative, descriptive-ana-lytical study developed in a primary health care facility organized by the ESF. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with five health profes-sionals: two doctors, a nurse, and two community health workers (ACS). The interview’s guiding topics were respondent data (name, gender, age, professional category, and seniority in the ser-vice); elderly care; care to relatives; perception of the experience of extreme situations in the elderly monitoring; and challenges in the ESF in assisting older adults. Representations related to ESF professionals are directly related to the posi-tion held. The ACS are appointed as the facility’s thermometer and eyes. Doctors perceive a great demand and see themselves as biomedical knowledge holders and medication prescribers. Nursing is perceived as a professional mediator between ACS and doctors. The walk-in demands of older adults and their families continue to be sustained by the tripod doctor, equipment (tests and proce-dures), and medication. As family hardships com-prise dementia, the perception of care as a burden, and the socioeconomic constraints are intensify-ing aspects of dementia. The creation of a bond between professionals, relatives, and older adults was perceived as an emotional health care device fundamental for monitoring dementia cases.