Gerontic and geriatric protectors at the provincial geriatric center of Las Tunas

Abstract

Background: frail elderly people require gerontic and geriatric protectors that allow them to guarantee vital functions to preserve their quality of life or at least to live with dignity, besides facilitating the care tasks to their caregivers.Objective: to describe the state of the gerontic and geriatric protectors needed in the "Dr. Carlos E. Font Pupo" Provincial Geriatric Center of Las Tunas, from January to June 2017.Methods: an observational, descriptive, longitudinal study was carried out at the aforementioned geriatric center and during the period of time herein declared. The study population consisted of the 85 frail elderly people with residence in the center. The need and coverage of gerontic and geriatric protectors were assessed, in addition to the geriatric risks related to these protective needs.Results: the highest unresolved demands were Fowler’s position bed and protective cloths for the entire sample, anti-pressure ulcer mattress for 95,91 %, inflatable cushion for 92,3 % and bedrail for 80 %. Only the availability of wheelchairs satisfies the demand, followed by the canes that cover 80 % of those needed. Immobilization syndrome (81,17 %) and pressure ulcer (60 %) are the greatest risks for these frail elderly.Conclusions: the deficit of the main gerontic and geriatric protectors in the center stood out, increasing the risks to suffer from pressure ulcers, immobilization syndrome, fall syndrome, pneumonias and septicemia.

Keywords

• geriatría
• health services for elderly
• impacts on health
• devices of self-help
• equipment and supplies