This study aimed to analyze the profile of long-stay institutions for the elderly. The research was conducted by analyzing the scripts of the sanitary surveillance inspection of Maceió, Alagoas, Brazil from 2009 to 2010. Participated in the survey of nine institutions for the aged located in Maceió. Submitted data showed that 88% of the institutions are philanthropic and 33% receive government grant; 12% have sanitary permit operation; 45% are residents of both sexes; 78% have no policy of continuing education in gerontology; 67% did not meet the general conditions set out in the health regulations; no institution has full attention to preestablished health in Resolution nº 283/05 of the National Health Surveillance Agency plan. As for technicians responsible, 33% have workload of 8 hours and 78% have a university degree. With regard to the target population, 55% of residents are female; 48% are independent; and 34% seek treatment at health centers and public hospitals. In accordance with the above, the NHs studied do not provide services in accordance with the specifications of the RDC nº 283/05 which aims at protecting service quality and control, the competent sphere concerning health problems the health of the elderly.
homes for the aged; health surveillance; health of institutionalized elderly; health services for the aged; old age assistance; aged