Implications of family participation in care to the institutionalized elderly

Abstract

Aim: to describe how the workers from a Long-Term Care Institution for the Elderly perceive the role and participation of the family in the lives of institutionalized elderly. Methods: qualitative research undertaken with 16 workers from the Long-Term Care Institution for the Elderly. The data were collected through a semi-structured interview and used thematic analysis. Results: it was verified that the family's role is related to maintaining ties with each elderly relative and to supply their affective needs - in the view of workers. The different forms of family participation in the institution occur through visits, telephone contact and aid in care. Conclusion: the family role is to provide support to the elderly through various forms of participation in the institution: minimize loneliness and promote positive feelings of belonging to the family nucleus for the aged.

Keywords

• instituição de longa permanência para idosos
• trabalhadores
• relações familiares
• enfermagem.