Home care for older adults: perspectives of nurses under the Family Health Strategy

Abstract

Objective To analyze the perceptions of nurses under the Family Health Strategy regarding Home Care offered to older adults. Method A descriptive, qualitative study involving semi-structured interviews of nurses to elucidate the perceptions of these professionals about home care was conducted. The Discourse of the Collective Subject method, anchored in Social Representation theory, was employed. Results A sample of 14 nurses, predominantly women, Family and Community Health experts, who made weekly home-care visits, was studied. Participants reported the importance of care, of appreciating the patient´s situation and of delivering health services. The nurses also reported performing a range of procedures during visits. After the home visits, the professionals made notes in the patient medical records, discussed cases with the multidisciplinary team or scheduled the next visits. Most participants stressed the importance of humanized care and technical knowledge. Treatment continuity and building ties were positive aspects cited. Regarding drawbacks, lack of resources was the most commonly cited aspect. Conclusion The participants acknowledged the importance of Home Care in the Family Health Strategy offered to older adults, a practice which promotes deeper understanding of patients, provides treatment continuity, but that also faces challenges in practice.