Losses of functional capacity in elderly institutionalized in the city of Natal/Rio Grande do Norte

Abstract

Objective: Analyze aspects related to functional disability of the elderly living in a Long Permanence Elderly Institution (ILPI) in the city of Natal - Rio Grande do Norte. Method: Descriptive, exploratory and quantitative study realized with 48 elderly, through interview, Katz Index and MMSE - Mini Mental State Exam. Results: 52,08% were female with a mean of 78 ± 8,62 years old, 54,17% singles and 27,08% widowed. 41,66% had no children, and 31.25% are illiterate. 75% are independent; partially dependent 8,33% and 4,16% are dependent. Conclusion: The results reveal the importance of using geriatric assessment tools in the identification of the profile of the institutionalized elderly, allowing to develop health promotion strategies, prevention of diseases and rehabilitation given the functional losses of the elderly.