Nursing consultation and the care to depression in elderly

Abstract

Depression is a major mental illness affecting the elderly. About 15% of the elderly have some depressive symptoms and about 2% have severe depression. This study was conducted in an Extension Program of the Federal University of the State of Rio de Janeiro (UNIRIO) and the aims are: to identify the prevalence of depression in the elderly attended by the community center “Project Rebirth” in Rio de Janeiro-RJ, and discuss strategies developed in consultation to care the depression.

Methodology

The elderly are registered in the program and accompanied by a multidisciplinary team. In nursing consultations, whose base is in the realization of Nursing Process, there is the application of the Geriatric Depression Scale named Yesavage – reduced version (GDS-15) held by students under the supervision of the teacher. After classification of the patient on the scale, they develop the care plan based in the Nursing Interventions Classification (NIC), and the nursing diagnoses that have among their factors related to depression and its symptoms.

Results and conclusions

In addition to interventions carried out in consultation, involving recovery of self-esteem, encouragement of leisure and recreational activities, and supported self-care, the program staff (psychologists, doctors, nurses and occupational therapists) works in partnership in support group health education, encouraging the integration of the elderly. The well-being and self-esteem of the elderly, thus, reduce the triggers of depression, with the integration of participants, students and professionals.

Disclosure of interest

The authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.