Elderly care by physiotherapists on Family Health Support Center in Arapiraca, Alagoas, Brazil

Objective: To analyze the actions of physiotherapists in Nuclei to Support Family Health (NSFH) with senescent individuals residing in the city of Arapiraca-AL, Brazil. Methods: The study was characterized as descriptive and qualitative. The research subjects were eight physiotherapists performing interventions with the elderly in NSFH, from both genders, regularly registered in Regional Council of Physiotherapy and Occupational Therapy 1 (RCPOT 1). Data were obtained in October 2010 with a questionnaire to characterize the sample, having been collected personal data and issues related to academic and work in NSFH. In addition, there was an interview addressing opinions of physiotherapists relating to care of the elderly in the Family Health Strategy (FHS) and the NSFH, the role of physiotherapists in NSFH with seniors, and the difficulties experienced in this work. Qualitative analysis was performed using the technique of collective subject discourse. Results: The professionals included in the study considered positive and regular the care to the elderly in the ESF and the NSFH, respectively. The interventions are based on NSFH actions based on primary health care and the difficulties relate to the multidisciplinary team and the lack of resources and infrastructure. Conclusion: The physiotherapists in NSFH of the municipality under study develop their actions in senescent population, with an emphasis on educational measures, preventive and health promoting.