PALLIATIVE CARE IN A LONG TERM CARE INSTITUTION FOR THE ELDERLY: OTHERNESS AND HUMANIZATION

Introduction and Objectives: The progressive population aging is associated with increased occurrence of chronic diseases, which may threaten the continuity of life. In the absence of cure prospects, and the face of suffering due to insufficient treatment, it’s up to the health professional, reduce pain, provide comfort and dignity to the last day of life of the individual. This reality was experienced by medical students at the Pontifical Catholic University of Goiás, through the activities carried out in the Northwest Region of Goiania, Vila Finsocial, which accompanied the operation of a Long Term Care Institutions for the Elderly (LTCE), Solar Espírita Apóstolo Tomé, which receive assistance from the Primary Care (PC) - CAIS Finsocial. Method: We conducted 6 weekly visits to CAIS Finsocial to understand the working dynamics of the Unit and PC professionals. Then the scholars visited the LTCE, supervised by the local coordinator, analyzed the physical structure and the quality of all the services offered to the elderly. Results and Conclusions: The role of the PC in the functioning of LTCE is fundamental, without home visits, the institution couldn’t provide basic health care for those seniors whose transportation isn’t feasible. Furthermore, the proximity creates bonds and decreases loneliness, companion of many institutionalized elderly. Learning through experience has enabled scholars to transcend the literary knowledge. Palliative care is also restore the dignity of life, is to humanize the routine, work hard to keep lives until the last moment, is to have a holistic view, is to live otherness.