HUMANIZATION OF NURSING CARE FOR ELDERLY PATIENTS IN THE HOSPITAL SETTING

Abstract

Population aging and the increasing demand for hospital admissions among older adults highlight the need for nursing care that considers the individual as a whole. This study addresses the humanization of care for older adults in the hospital setting, emphasizing the importance of recognizing needs that extend beyond physical changes associated with illness and aging. The research was conducted through a literature review, including scientific publications from 2021 to 2026 retrieved from the PubMed, SciELO, LILACS, Virtual Health Library (VHL), and BDENF databases. The selected studies indicate that hospitalization may be associated with reduced autonomy, separation from family, loneliness, anxiety, sadness, and cognitive changes, demonstrating the need for interventions that promote welcoming, bonding, communication, and the active participation of older adults in their own care. In this context, nursing plays a fundamental role in providing comprehensive and individualized care that respects the history, preferences, and dignity of older adults. Therefore, humanization is an essential element in improving hospital care and contributing to a safer, more respectful, and patient-centered hospitalization experience.