NURSING PROFESSIONAL ASSISTANCE IN THE MENTAL HEALTH OF THE ELDERLY: A LITERATURE REVIEW

Abstract

Population aging represents one of the main contemporary challenges for health systems, demanding specific approaches to promote mental health in the elderly. This leads to the question, "What are the responsibilities and challenges faced by nursing professionals in promoting the mental health of the elderly?" This study aims to analyze the assistance provided by nursing professionals in the mental health care of the elderly, and specifically to contextualize mental health care for the elderly in Brazil, analyze the challenges faced, and highlight the main strategies adopted for promoting mental health in this population. This is a qualitative and descriptive literature review. Data sources included the SciELO, PubMed, and Google Scholar databases. The selection process followed several steps, including title screening, elimination of duplicates, abstract analysis, and full reading of the most relevant articles, followed by critical content analysis of articles published between 2010 and 2025. A total of 63 articles were found, and 12 were selected for the results. The studies analyzed showed that Primary Health Care (PHC) plays an essential role in promoting and preventing mental health issues in the elderly population, standing out as the main entry point to the system and the privileged space for welcoming and early identification of depressive and anxious symptoms. However, the care provided by nurses is still frequently guided by the biomedical model, with an emphasis on technical and pharmacological practices, which limits the comprehensive and psychosocial approach to aging. Furthermore, the challenges related to incorrect referrals and the fragmentation of the Psychosocial Care Network reveal gaps between what the Ministry of Health guidelines recommend and what is observed in daily practice. The lack of alignment between PHC and specialized services compromises the continuity of care and weakens the therapeutic bond, resulting in disjointed care and overburdening of CAPS (Psychosocial Care Centers). Added to this is the shortage of professionals with specific training in elderly mental health and regional inequalities in access to services, especially in rural areas. Thus, the need for public policies that expand technical training, promote continuing education, and strengthen intersectoral flows is reinforced, ensuring a comprehensive, inclusive, and elderly-centered care model.