Abstract

CORREA, Jimilly Caputo; FERREIRA, Maria Elisa Caputo; FERREIRA, Vanessa Nolasco  and  BANHATO, Eliane Ferreira Carvalho. Elderly's perception of the role of the psycohologist at homes for the aged. Rev. bras. geriatr. gerontol. [online]. 2012, vol.15, n.1, pp. 127-136. ISSN 1809-9823.  http://dx.doi.org/10.1590/S1809-98232012000100014.

This study aimed to describe the perception of institutionalized elderly about the role of the psychologist with the population housed at homes for the aged in the city of Juiz de Fora-MG. The research covered the caregivers and institutions registered with the City Council of the Elderly of that city. Regarding methodology, it is a qualitative exploratory study using content analysis at Bardin's perspective to treat the data. The inclusion criteria were: 1) living at a Home for the Aged; 2) be 60 years old or more; 3) agree to participate in the research; and 4) be able to answer the questions. A convenience sample comprised 34 subjects who presented the follow representations about the role of the psychologist: relevance and pertinence of the job, not perceiving negative aspects at the work of these professional at the Homes for the Aged. It was also found that psychological practice areas mentioned most frequently were related to prevention, diagnosis and treatment of those who live in those places.

Keywords : Aging; Homes for the Aged; Psychologist.