Protection against COVID-19 in long-term care facilities and political and technical foundations for operation in Brazil

Abstract

Objective: that aimed to highlight and discuss the contributions of public policies and resolutions to the protection of older people in the qualification of Long Term Care Facilities in Brazil in the face of COVID-19. Method: This is a qualitative document analysis study. Data were collected between August and September 2021 from government websites and the Virtual Health Library database. Results: We analyzed resolutions 216/2004 up to the most recently published resolutions 502/2021, technical notes, and public policies for the older population published between 1994 and 2021, including people residing in long-term care facilities in Brazil. Our analysis indicated that, in order to operate the apparatus of protection and care, councils and Society need to fulfill their roles, aiming at the dignity and quality of life of residents of long-term care facilities. The discussion was conducted in light of the political framework and technical foundations that guide the operation of these facilities. Conclusion: This study highlights the relevance, value, and quality of the area of gerontology, specifically for reflecting on public policies and resolutions so that we have the necessary guidelines for elaborating policies for the long-term care and protection of the health of older adults, which includes a wide discussion on collective housing/lon-term care institutions.