Home care intervention with an emphasis on self-care for elderly users of the School Health Center in São Paulo City

Abstract

Introduction: According to World Health Organization, the risks to health decline, functioning and death in elderly include: widow or single woman, person aged 80 years or over, being socially isolated and have limitations to perform activities of daily living. Objective: To describe and analyze an occupational therapy intervention to elderly at two or more risks. Method: Intervention research developed in 2008/2009 at three stages: assessment using the Ceca Instrument: classification of the aged concerning self-care ability; instructions concerning functioning, occupations and social interaction; reassessment. Inclusion criteria: being elderly; at demographic risk (due to age 80 years or over and/or being widow or single woman), and social and / or functional (according to a study conducted in 2006/2008); users of the School Health Center Geraldo de Paula Souza of FSP/USP. Results: Participated in the study 58 elderly, who adopted self-care practices, although they were not effective. They were instructed to make changes in activities and in environment and to broaden their support network; 25.9% expanded their occupations, 32.8% increased their network, and there were a slight improvement in functioning. A greater number of elderly with functional difficulties moved in with someone and could count on somebody to help. Conclusion: The intervention was beneficial to expand activities, support network and improve functionality.