EL PAPEL DE LA ENFERMERA EN LA ATENCIÓN EN SALUD MENTAL DE LAS PERSONAS MAYORES EN BRASIL

Abstract

Mental health is essential at all ages, but in old age it is often neglected, being confused with aging, illnesses or the effects of medications. This makes it difficult to identify mental problems early. Nurses play a crucial role in the promotion, diagnosis, prevention, rehabilitation and recovery of health, which includes physical and mental well-being.  Given this context, the following question arose: What is the role of nurses in providing mental health care to the elderly? This resulted in the following general objective: highlight the role of the nurse in caring for the mental health of the elderly, and the specific objectives, contextualize the historical process of mental illness, highlight mental health related to the aging process, understand the role of the nurse in care to the mental health of elderly people in CAPs and UBSs. The methodology used in this study was a qualitative approach, developed through bibliographic and documentary research, with an integrative review of the literature in the databases, IBGE, ministry of health, BDTD, IBICT and SciELO. Conclusion The mental health of the elderly is essential for well-being, highlighting the role of nurses in diagnosis, treatment and promotion of integrated care, ensuring quality of life and social inclusion.