INTRODUCTION: One of the projects conducted by the Educational Program for Health Work (PET-Saúde) at the Botucatu School of Medicine (Unesp) focuses on comprehensive healthcare for the elderly through homecare. OBJECTIVE: The objective was to conduct homecare for the elderly through the Family Health Unit, measuring impact and describing the medical students' perceptions of the care. METHODOLOGY: The team consisted of a tutor, three preceptors, and 12 medical students. Each student monitored one elderly patient, applying the Expanded Geriatric Assessment, with an emphasis on functional capacity. Each home visit was followed by discussions and proposals for non-pharmacological treatment plans. RESULTS: Fifteen elderly individuals were assessed, and 12 were monitored, with a mean age of 84.3 years (± 2.6), 75% of whom were women. Sixty-seven percent were dependent in their ADL (activities of daily living) and 85% for IADL (instrumental activities of daily living). None of the elderly individuals required hospitalization during the homecare. Students reported a better understanding of population aging and the appropriateness of homecare for the elderly. CONCLUSIONS: The activities allowed establishing a bond among the team and fostered students' interest in care for the elderly. The methodology facilitated integration between teaching and the health service.
elderly; home care monitoring; geriatrics
