CARE THAT WELCOMES: A HUMANIZED EXPERIENCE IN A LONG-TERM CARE INSTITUTION FOR THE ELDERLY

Abstract

This study aims to report the experience of students from the Geriatrics Academic League of Universidade de Vassouras in implementing humanized care actions at a Long-Term Care Institution for the Elderly (ILPI) in Paty do Alferes, RJ, Brazil. This is a descriptive experience report conducted over six months with four face-to-face visits, involving 20 elderly residents and 15 students. The activities included conversation circles, cognitive and affective dynamics, music therapy, reading, games, and self-care practices, following the principles of humanized care. A reduction in anxiety, fear, and agitation among the elderly was observed, along with the strengthening of emotional bonds, identity recovery, and promotion of autonomy. For the students, the experience fostered the development of empathy, ethical reflection, and maturity in understanding elderly-centered care. It is concluded that humanized care practices in long-term institutions provide significant benefits for the elderly and strengthen the ethical and professional training of students, reaffirming the importance of extension actions in geriatrics.