Características sociodemográficas e clínicas de idosos institucionalizados: contribuições para o cuidado de enfermagem

Abstract

This cross-cutting, descriptive study described the sociodemographic and clinical characteristics of institutionalized older adults. Fifty-four elderly residents at a long-stay institution in Fortaleza, Ceara State, Brazil, participated by responding to a form in 2011. Study population mean age was 72.4±8.5 years; they were predominantly elderly males (61.1%), single (46.3%), illiterate (46.3%) and retired (77.8%). Institutionalization was expressed as: 51.9% had lived in the institution less than five years; 29.6% were former street dwellers; and 72.2% received no visits. Clinical characteristics included: 81.5% had a chronic disease; 83.3% made continuous use of medication; and blood pressure and blood glucose levels were controlled in 57.4% and 81.1% participants, respectively. Frailty profile was given as 74.1% of the elderly being fragile. These data can support the actions of nurses in promoting more effective and individualized care for institutionalized elderly.