Social support and networks in health promotion of older people: a case study in Brazil

Aim.  This research aimed at identifying social support for older people and their families.
Background.  The Brazilian National Policy for Older People's Health, created in 1998, is based on the promotion of healthy ageing, aiming at encouraging older people to remain in their environment and independently exert their functions in society. Nursing has engaged in this process, seeking to provide integrated care to the older person and family.
Method.  A case study with multiple participants was carried out. The inclusion criteria were families of older people over 70 years old who attended a Family Health Unit in the interior of the State of Minas Gerais, Brazil. Data were collected between April and June, 2007. In-depth interviews, genograms and ecomaps were used to collect data, which were categorized by thematic content analysis.
Results.  Three families participated in this study, totalling seven participants.
Conclusions.  The older people's families depend on institutional networks for their health maintenance. Spirituality and religion are mixed and are very expressive sources of support.
Relevance to clinical practice.  Assessing social support and networks can favour nursing interventions in order to intensify social interactions, promote leisure and help the families of older people to cope with life changes.