A atuação psicopedagógica em instituições de longa permanência para idosos

Abstract

This study aims to investigate the relevance of Psychopedagogy in promoting cognitive stimulation among elderly residents in Long-Term Care Institutions (LTCIs). The specific objectives of the research are: (1) to verify the multiprofessional practice within long-term care institutions, focusing on the collaboration among different professionals who attend to the elderly; (2) to catalog the various psychopedagogical approaches utilized by psychopedagogists, aiming to map the techniques and methods most frequently applied; and (3) to classify these practices according to their objectives, techniques, and contexts of application, contributing to a better understanding and direction of psychopedagogical interventions. The research, of a qualitative nature and exploratory character, was conducted through interviews with managers of LTCIs located in Paraíba, aiming to understand the practices currently adopted for cognitive stimulation and the challenges arising from the absence of psychopedagogists in these institutions. The results reveal that, although LTCIs develop activities such as music therapy and art therapy, the lack of systematic evaluations and specialized professionals limits the effectiveness of interventions directed at cognitive stimulation for the elderly. The analysis concludes that the presence of psychopedagogists in institutions can enhance the quality of rehabilitative practices and significantly contribute to healthy aging by allowing the adaptation of strategies to meet the individual needs of residents. Thus, the study emphasizes the importance of public policies that promote the hiring of specialized professionals and expand resources allocated to the comprehensive care of this population.