Rede social no cuidado ao idoso após acidentes por quedas: uma abordagem bioecológica à Enfermagem

Abstract

This study aims to understand the social network in the elderly care after accidental falls, using for that a bio-ecological approach; and also identify the linkages supporters to the elderly after they have suffered an accidental fall. The study is characterized by having a qualitative approach, and the method used was the ecological engagement, which is based on Ecological Systems Theory by Koller and Cecconelo (2004) and techniques used were semi-structured interview, the construction of the genogram, eco-map and simple observation recorded in field diaries. The study included four elderly people who had suffered accidental falls; they had some traumatic consequences, and were treated at the trauma service of an institution of medium size, in the southern region of Rio Grande do Sul. The subjects of the study were obtained through a previous survey of identification data in the medical records of the hospital's trauma service and, subsequent telephone call to explain the objectives of the study and inviting them to participate in the study. Data collection occurred from January to June in 2011, within five to eight meetings that were held in the context of the elderly home. The data were analyzed according to thematic analysis proposed by Minayo (2007). It was noticed, the results of this study, the social network on elderly care after accidental falls is made by family, friends, neighbors, religion professionals and health institutions. However, the family has been the linkage supporter, which has integrated network of care to the elderly. It provides material, financial and emotional support; it is also the microsystem that the elderly have a higher bonding. These linkages supporters and proximal processes have provided a personal achievement for the elderly, a social inclusion and also healthy aging. As the family helps in the daily activities, a reciprocal interaction also occurs with the elderly, developing strong emotional bonds that provide positive aspects in their evolution. The existence of a dysfunction effect among some members of the family was evident, and this dysfunction has become a process of competence, since people who were considered negative bonds, after the accidental falls, sought to get closer to the elderly. Regarding the role of health professionals, it was realized that the help of health services was not mentioned and, such services should be a social network of care to the elderly and their families; showing that the health professionals were not prepared to meet the demands and priorities of the population. It was concluded that despite the policies ensure a healthy and assisted aging; they do not occur as they should because there is still a need to equip health professionals to meet this demand. As part of the challenge, the nursing work is highlighted in order to maintain the necessary support to rehabilitation of the elderly after the accidental fall.