Let me decide: instituting advance directives of will in the largest long-term care facility in RS.

Authors

Carollyna Scherer Brum Universidade Franciscana - UFN https://orcid.org/0009-0001-2509-6171
Kelly Carvalho Silveira Gonçalves Universidade Franciscana - UFN https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0146-6948
Beatriz Passinho Heinle Universidade Franciscana - UFN https://orcid.org/0009-0003-8111-9379
Laura Rossi Da Motta Universidade Franciscana - UFN https://orcid.org/0009-0004-4645-8284

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.26512/rbb.v17.2025.58296

Keywords:

Health of the Elderly, Palliative Care, Patient Preference, Comprehensive Health Care

Abstract

Objective: To address the challenges of aging among the elderly population in Long-Term Care Institutions (LTCIs), highlighting social disparities, the impacts of loneliness and poverty on health, and emphasizing the importance of Palliative Care and Advance Directives of Will (ADWs) in promoting autonomy. The study aims to understand the preferences and values of elderly residents and record ADWs in their medical records. Method: A qualitative exploratory study was conducted with 24 elderly women from the Lar das Vovozinhas LTCI. Interviews were adapted from the "Minhas Vontades" (My Wishes) application, developed by the Brazilian Society of Geriatrics and Gerontology (SBGG). Results: The findings, presented through graphs, revealed the value placed on family, the preference for health-related information, the choice of the LTCI as the preferred location for end-of-life care, and the diversity of opinions on invasive procedures. The study highlighted the complexity of end-of-life experiences and the importance of approaches tailored to individual preferences. Conclusion: ADWs play a preventive role, provided the expressed will is ensured and executed. Family involvement is crucial in shaping the perception of quality of life among elderly residents. The study underscores the importance of discussing death, particularly in the context of frailty among institutionalized elderly, to foster a holistic understanding of their expectations regarding aging and end-of-life care.

Keywords: Health of the Elderly. Palliative Care. Patient Preference. Comprehensive Health Care.

Author Biographies

Carollyna Scherer Brum, Universidade Franciscana - UFN

Medical student at the Franciscan University, with experience focused on elderly health and primary care. Founder of the Viva Mais group, which works in long-term care facilities for older adults. Participated as a volunteer scholar in extension projects promoting elderly functionality and well-being, as well as the screening, management, and treatment of delirium in institutionalized older adults. Served as president of the Academic League of Family and Community Medicine, co-founded the League of Interprofessionality and Public Health, and was a member of a research group on social entrepreneurship in health. Worked as a volunteer teaching assistant in a course integrating education, service, and community, and served as regional director for Southern Brazil in the Brazilian Association of Family Health Academic Leagues.
Beatriz Passinho Heinle, Universidade Franciscana - UFN

Medical student at the Universidade Franciscana (UFN), Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil.
Laura Rossi Da Motta, Universidade Franciscana - UFN

Medical student at the Universidade Franciscana (UFN), Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil.

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