A contemporary and innovative care model for older adults

Abstract

Abstract The population aging that has arisen from Brazil’s new demographic and epidemiological reality, a relatively recent phenomenon, requires innovative and efficient responses. This article presents a care model for the older population with the most contemporary comprehensive care and an excellent cost-benefit ratio. The proposal is aimed at health promotion, disease prevention and the coordination of care, with an emphasis on low complexity instances of care. The integrated models seek to solve the problem of fragmented and poorly coordinated care in current health systems. For this reason, we propose a low complexity care unit, an epidemiological assessment, a social center and a team formed by a pair of medical and nursing professionals, with the support of gerontologists. There will also be medical records that cover clinical and social aspects, as well as a quality information system - all involving advanced technology, accessible by doctors and clients at any time via cloud technology and a cell phone app. The more the healthcare professional knows their patient’s history, the better the results. The concepts and structure that underlie this model, which aims to reduce waste, offering greater quality at reduced cost, are set out. It is our contribution to benefit - be it in the public or supplementary sector - health care aimed at the fastest growing age group in Brazil.