Descriptive-exploratory study conducted in four long-term institutions for the elderly (ILPI), being two philanthropic and two governmental, in the metropolitan region of Belém city, state of Pará, Brazil. OBJECTIVE: To describe social characteristics of low income institutionalized elderly in ILPI's of the metropolitan region of Belém, and also identify the living conditions, health and dependence level, in basic activities of daily living. METHODOLOGY: the study included 165 institutionalized elderly who were limited to describe data obtained by the Elderly Handbook of the Health Ministry / SUS, evaluating independence in activities of daily living, according to Katz Index. RESULTS: The prevalence of 62.5% unmarried elderly residents, without familiy, reinforces the need and usefulness of the ILPI as an alternative geronto-geriatric program for society. For the age group of 80 years and more (49%), among residents, care strategies for elderly focusing on vulnerability and frailty must be reviewed. Physical inactivity within the ILPI (87%) and dependence in activities of daily life (58%) point to the need for increasing daily institutional practices focusing on active ageing. The high prevalence of comorbidities (90%) and polypharmacy (71%) among residents call for specialized care in diseases treatment, control and rehabilitation, maintenance of the possible balance of living and health of those elderly. CONCLUSION: The long-term institution for the elderly, although being of social nature, considering the findings of this study, requires living and health care actions.
Homes for the Aged; Frail Elderly; Aging
