<b>The hospitalized elderly under the view of nursing humanistic theory abstract</b>doi: 10.4025/cienccuidsaude.v11i4.21657

Abstract

This is a research of phenomenological approach, based on the Nursing Humanistic Theory proposed by Paterson and Zderad. The objective was to understand the existential dimension of elderlies during hospitalization. Specifically, it was sought to know the elderly’s perception concerning the hospital environment and nursing care provided, analyzing the caregiving process from the humanistic perspective. The subjects were fifteen elderlies admitted to a public hospital of the State of Rio de Janeiro. Open interviews were carried out according to the method of content analysis. Six categories emerged: experiencing the hospital environment; experiencing the change of habits and the perception of the body being manipulated and invaded; to be taken care of by Nursing professionals; the presence/absence of companions; Discomfort; adapting through Religiosity/Spirituality. It was concluded that the moment of hospitalization is a rupture that causes suffering for the elderly. However, it is a great opportunity for nurses to put into their caregiving potential, helping the elderly to adjust to the situation.