Perspectives of families and health professionals about the experience of elderlies women who live in a long-term care institution

This article analyzes the perceptions of accompanying family members and health professionals about the experiences of elderly women who chose to live in a Long - Term Care Institution (LTCI) in light of the Aging in Place (AIP) phenomenon, imbricated to the Lifespan Theory. This is a qualitative study in which a biosocioeconomic questionnaire and an interview with a semi-structured script were used. For the systematization of the results, the technique of content analysis and thematic coding were used. Four companion relatives and four health professionals from the institution were interviewed. The results were arranged in four thematic categories: (I) Identification, belonging to the site and satisfaction with housing, (II) Maintenance of independence and autonomy, safety and health conditions, (III) Social participation and needs (IV) Positive vision, plans and learning. The interviewees believe that these elderly women experience the cycle of old age in a positive way and in a place that, according to characteristics listed, refer to the aging in place phenomenon with a leading role and social support and in a successful way.