The need of care in the perspective to older people in fragility process

Abstract

Background  With the aging population becomes necessary to know the perception and experience of older people in a process of weakening about the care process.

Objective  This study aims to understand the perception of elderly people in fragility process about needing help from others to maintain their care.

Method  It is a qualitative research, based on Medical Anthropology. The data were collected from participants in the multicenter study FIBRA (Fragility in Brazilian Elderly), located in Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais. At home, 22 elderly people in the process of frailty were interviewed, who were, on average, 79 years old. The emic analysis was guided by the Signs, Meanings and Actions model.

Results  The signs that show the inevitability of care on others: “can't stand it”, “can't stand it”, “can't do it anymore”. As indicative of the need for help: “having to”: “having to be limited”, “having to have help ”,“ having to have an accompaniment ”. To needing help, is as an essential support, but also proves painful, invasive, controlling, revealing of finitude. In the face of this, they try to adapt to changes to maintain a degree of autonomy and independence, feel useful, use various treatments, and have faith. Social inequalities influence the actions.

Conclusion  There is a need for social solidarity and public policies committed to the care of the elderly in the process of weakening, also considering them as a socio-cultural subject.

Keywords:
health of the elderly; frail elderly; culturally competent care