Course of the elderly in health care network: a link to be built

We aimed to understand the continuity of care provided to the elderly in health care networks in Fortaleza-CE, Brazil. This is a descriptive qualitative study that used focus groups, semi-structured interviews and discourse of the collective subject for data collection and organization. In Family Health Care Network, we observed deficits in infrastructure and professionals. In Specialized Care, we verified repressed demand due the shortages in specialized services. In Hospital, the flow of information is deficient. In Urgency and Emergency, the mobile service prioritizes the removal and in the hospital the care according to severity. The close relationship between the Mental Health and Family Health Networks contributes to the effective continuity of care. We conclude that the care for the elderly in the network is fragile and discontinued, and impairs the consolidation of integral care.

health services for the aged; health care delivery; elderly