The proposal was to evaluate the social support networks of families with elderly using the Calgary Family Assessment Model. Quantitative cross-sectional study with exploratory and descriptive character, carried out among families with elderly living in the outskirts of Fortaleza, from November/2008 to January/2009. Data obtained from 218 families by interviewing the one responsible for the care of the family in their own home. Concerning the social networks of support, nursing was considered very significant (32.1%). In disease situation, the demand of support from others was 68.3% and the one in which the family most supports others was 76.6%. As for financial aid, 58.7% report doing it; however, only 36.2% ask for such help. The structure of families with elderly deserves attention in the search for scientific knowledge in the face of the holism to support the professional practice of the nurse.
Nursing; Family; Elderly