Abstract
Caring for sick people in their homes refers to time immemorial, but due to the aging of the population, there has been an increasing organization of such practice, with home care services. This research work aimed at knowing the care process in the Home Care Service of a medium-sized municipality in the State of São Paulo as a component of the Urgency and Emergency Network. It is a qualitative case study, using cartography in the research field. Interviews were also conducted with caregivers and a hospital nurse, and a focus group with Primary Care nurses. For data analysis, the first approximation of the empirical material was the definition of “cutting plans” and then “visibility plans”. Management-related problems were identified; limitations in the use of the information system; isolation of the Home Care Service in relation to other services in the health network; limitations of Primary Care to effectively support the service; caregiver burden; and need for support strategies.
Keywords:
home care services; health services for the elderly; public health policies