Elderly Person Archives - Revista Brasileira de Enfermagem

ABSTRACT

Objectives:

to analyze primary healthcare managers’ understanding regarding manifestations of institutional violence against dependent older adults in Brazil.

Methods:

a qualitative study, conducted in eight Brazilian cities. Interviews were conducted with 16 managers of primary healthcare services and specialized care units for older adults. To collect information, a semi-structured interview was used, with interpretation anchored in comprehensive and critical analysis.

Results:

institutional violence expresses the State’s lack of response through structural and organizational obstacles that enhance violence, and through healthcare professionals’ passivity or contempt towards dependent older adults, which is perpetuated by the lack or scarcity of provision of specific services.

Conclusions:

institutional violence against dependent older adults involves the State’s passivity, structural barriers, disarticulation of health production networks and lack of training or interest among professionals.