Systematization of nursing care to institutionalized elderly based on Virginia Henderson

Abstract

This is an experience report that aims to describe the application of the nursing process to an institutionalized elderly, based on Virginia Henderson’s theory. The case study was developed in a long-stay institution for the elderly in Fortaleza, Ceará, Brazil, from May to August 2010, by filling out a form, physical examination and observation. Identifying the needs of elimination, communication, recreation and learning allowed to raise the nursing diagnoses, respectively: urge urinary incontinence; impaired social interaction; diversional activity deficit; and impaired memory. The nursing interventions were directed to the health and independence of the elderly. The application of systematic nursing care impacted positively on the health of the elderly, demonstrating the applicability of the nursing systematization based on Henderson’s theory in the scenery in which the study was developed.