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Updated: Nov 19, 2025
06:52
Assessment of Dependence in Activities of Daily Living Among Older Patients in an Acute Care Unit
Published on: September 30, 2020
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Community health workers caring for dependent elderly people
Christina César Praça Brasil1, Raimunda Magalhães da Silva1, Indara Cavalcante Bezerra2
1Programa de Pós-Graduação em Saúde Coletiva, Universidade de Fortaleza. Av. Washington Soares, 1321, Edson Queiroz. 60811-905 Fortaleza CE Brasil. cpraca@unifor.br.
Ciencia & Saude Coletiva
|February 3, 2021
Summary
Community Health Workers (CHWs) are vital for dependent elderly care, facilitating access to health services. However, insufficient numbers and training gaps hinder their full potential within the Family Health Strategy.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Public Health
- Healthcare Management
Background:
- Community Health Workers (CHWs) serve as crucial intermediaries between Family Health Strategy (FHS) professionals and the community.
- The role of CHWs in supporting dependent elderly individuals within healthcare systems requires further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze healthcare professionals' perceptions and health management strategies concerning the role of CHWs in caring for dependent elderly people.
- To identify challenges and opportunities in optimizing CHW contributions to elderly care within Brazil's FHS.
Main Methods:
- A qualitative study employing a hermeneutic-dialectic perspective.
- Involved 38 healthcare professionals working with the elderly across five regions of Brazil.
Main Results:
- CHWs are perceived as key facilitators for accessing healthcare networks for dependent elderly individuals.
- Identified significant gaps in continuing education for CHWs and an insufficient number to meet primary care demands.
- Professionals highly value CHW contributions to FHS but note deficiencies in training and workforce supply for comprehensive elderly care.
Conclusions:
- Health professionals and managers recognize CHWs as essential for dependent elderly care and their families.
- There is a critical need to increase the number of CHWs to align with FHS requirements.
- Enhanced training is necessary for CHWs to effectively manage diverse dependence needs in the elderly population.
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