The elderly’s look regarding the access to a basic health unit in Porto Alegre - RS

Abstract

Objective: The aim of this study was to discribe how to give the elderly access to health services in a Basic Health Unit in Porto Alegre since it substantiated data was never available to evaluate the care for the elderly population in this health unit. Materials and methods: This study was conducted with a descriptive and cross-sectional design, applying semi-structured interviews with fifteen open and closed questions based on PCA-Tool as an instrument in a sample of 61 elderly patients. Results: The main results show that the Health Unit SESC was remembered by the vast majority of the elderly population as a reference service for basic needs in health. The greatest difficulties of access were related to the characteristics of an area where the Unit is located. It is necessary to consider what measures should be taken to solve this problem. The access of older methods of medical, dental and nursing was considered easier. However, the perception of users about the strategies for prioritization in attendance did not appear so clear. Conclusion: It was concluded from the review of this population that, despite some difficulties pointed out, access to health services was considered easier for the elderly in this Health Unit.