Home care for older adults: characterization of care in Primary Health Care

Abstract

Brazil faces rapid demographic transition, with an increase in the elderly population and life expectancy. Alongside this, nutritional and epidemiological transitions occur, which are correlated with poor diet and the prevalence of chronic diseases, especially in older adults. This transition – marked by population aging – underscores the need for primary care for these individuals. In this context, home care (HC) is defined as a set of actions and services aimed at health promotion, providing users with continuous access to health care, especially the most vulnerable, such as older adults. Although HC represents a significant strategy for a humanized approach, the establishment of bonds, and access to services, there remains a scarcity of scientific evidence on care provided to the elderly population requiring home care. This study aimed to characterize home care provided to older adults in a medium-sized municipality in the interior of São Paulo, describing the sociodemographic profile of this population, the prevalence and types of morbidities, the main procedures performed within the scope of home care, the professional category responsible for care, and the duration of follow-up. A data survey was conducted from 2022 to 2024, using the medical records of older adults (n=106) attended by HC in primary health care across 8 Family Health Strategy units. Data analysis was performed using descriptive statistics. Regarding the sociodemographic profile, the mean age of older adults was 78.6 years, with a prevalence of female individuals (63.9%). Regarding the most frequent morbidity, arterial hypertension affected the largest number of patients, reaching 81.1%. In terms of care delivery, nurses predominated with 53.6% of total visits. Among medical visits, the most prevalent procedures were the general health examination (35.3%) and blood pressure measurement (28.1%). Among dental visits, the most performed procedure was oral hygiene guidance, reaching 47.8% of visits. It is concluded that home care for older adults is marked by female predominance and chronic diseases such as hypertension and diabetes. Nurses and physicians were the primary professionals responsible for care, while dental practice was punctual and preventive. The long duration of follow-up reflects the complexity of the conditions treated.