MULTIPROFESSIONAL WORK IN ELDERLY CARE: INSTITUTIONS AND RESIDENCES

Abstract

Health care for the elderly, whether institutionalized or living in their own environment, requires the work of a multidisciplinary and interdisciplinary team. To understand this dynamic, it is essential to differentiate between the concepts. Multidisciplinarity involves the collaboration of professionals from different fields: physicians, physical therapists, psychologists, nutritionists, pharmacists, and occupational therapists, each working in their specific field but with the same patient. Interdisciplinarity, in turn, goes further, seeking the integration of knowledge. In this approach, professionals interact and share knowledge to create a cohesive and more effective care plan, where the patient is seen holistically. The biopsychosocial team for older adults' health is composed of several specialists who address biological, psychological, and social aspects. This includes geriatricians, nurses, physical therapists, occupational therapists, speech therapists, psychologists, and social workers, among others. The integrated work of these professionals is crucial to meeting the complex needs of aging. The importance of this approach is even more evident in the context of institutionalized elderly individuals, where care must be continuous and coordinated. For non-institutionalized elderly individuals, the team works closely with the family, offering support and guidance to maintain autonomy and quality of life. The key is to value the synergy between different areas to promote comprehensive and humane care, tailored to each individual's specific needs.