Assistive Technology For Elderly In Long-Stay Institutions

Abstract

Introduction: with the various physiological and pathological changes relevant to the aging process, the elderly lose their autonomy and independence, limiting their ability for self-care and compromising the quality of life, which increases the need for social and professional support.Objective: verifying the knowledge about Assistive Technology by professionals and academics who work with the elderly in long term care services.Method: This is a cross-sectional study with a quantitative approach, carried out in three long-stay institutions for the elderly from the city of Cajazeiras, Paraiba. The sample consisted of employees, volunteers, teachers and academics, totaling 50 participants. The results were tabulated and statistically analyzed using the software Statistical Package for Social Sciences, version 22.0, presented in tables and discussed according to the pertinent literature. Results:The resources most identified by participants were the aid for daily life and practical life, architectural projects for accessibility and mobility aid. Some participants said they did not implement the Assistive Technology in their practice by not knowing the existing resources and its benefits, lack of training, limited resources and/or lack of Government resources and high cost of equipment. Conclusion:Assistive Technology represents the next step in the search for active aging, being the devices of great value for the elderly, increasing their functional capacity, autonomy and quality of life.