THE MEANING OF PREOPERATIVE CARE FOR THE ELDERLY

Abstract

Aim: to identify the significance of perioperative care for elderly patients. Method: qualitative anddescriptive research held with nine elderly patients of both genres in a university hospital in northern Paraná. Data were collected through semistructured interviews pre-arranged with the participants. Results: the analysis enabled the construction of three categories: the elderly surgical and hospitalization, the elderly and the meaning of self-care and care for the elderly. Conclusion: it was observed the uniqueness of meanings of care expressedand their influence in the treatment. Adequate communication by healthcare was an important strategy to provide greater comfort. Considering nursing as care agent, develop a team prepared to meet the changes coming of age and surgical procedure has become critical to improve care for the elderly. The attention and emotional support were significant when perioperative characterized as essential to humanizing the care process.