ADAPTATION OF LONG-LIVED ELDERS AT HOME AFTER HOSPITALIZATION IN THE INTENSIVE CARE UNIT AND HOSPITAL DISCHARGE

Abstract

ABSTRACT Objective: to identify stimuli that interfere with the adaptation of long-lived elders at home after hospitalization in the intensive care unit and hospital discharge. Method: a descriptive study with a qualitative approach, conducted with elderly individuals who were hospitalized in the intensive care unit and were already at home after hospital discharge. Data collection took place through open interviews and was performed at the intensive care unit of the hospital and at the home of the elderly. Home visits took place between December 2017 and February 2018, and were conducted in seven cities. Bardin's content analysis was used, and the discussion was based on Callista Roy's Adaptation Theory. Ethical and legal cares were strictly respected. Results: eleven long-lived elders, aged between 80 and 94 years old, took part in the study. Two categories emerged from the participants' testimonies: Stimuli that contribute to adaptive behavioral responses in the long-lived elders and Stimuli that negatively affect the adaptation of the long-lived elders. Conclusion: the main stimuli that contributed to the adaptive behavior of the long-lived elders were the return to their homes, family support and the social support network. In contrast, the stimuli that negatively affected adaptation were fear, lack of information and difficulties in continuing the care. The critical role of the health professionals in the intensive care unit and the hospital unit in preparing longevity the long-lived elders their families for hospital discharge and home return is highlighted.