Vulnerabilidade clínico-funcional de idosos residentes em instituições de longa permanência

Abstract

Introduction: Population aging has increased the demand for long-term care, particularly in Long-Term Care Facilities (LTCFs), where identifying clinical-functional vulnerability is essential to guide care practices. Objective: To evaluate the clinical-functional vulnerability of institutionalized older adults using the Clinical-Functional Vulnerability Index (IVCF-20) in two LTCFs. Methodology: This is an observational, descriptive, and cross-sectional study. Participants included older adults aged 60 years or older, residing in the institutions for at least three months, with preserved cognitive capacity according to the 10-Point Cognitive Screener (10-CS). Three instruments were used: a sociodemographic and clinical identification form, the 10-CS, and the IVCF-20. Data collection was conducted through individual interviews performed by trained evaluators. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, including frequencies, means, standard deviations, and ranges. Results: A total of 20 older adults participated, with a mean age of 74.1 ± 7.3 years, predominantly male (60%), and an average institutionalization time of 7.2 ± 6.3 years. All participants presented comorbidities (mean 2.3 ± 1.2), with hypertension, diabetes, and mood disorders being the most prevalent. According to the IVCF-20 classification, 30% were considered robust, 40% at risk, and 30% frail, with greater impairment in the domains of mobility, mood, self-perceived health, and multiple comorbidities. Conclusion: The study identified distinct levels of clinical-functional vulnerability among the older adults evaluated, categorized as robust, at risk of frailty, or frail. Most participants were classified as at risk of frailty, highlighting the need for systematic assessments using validated instruments such as the IVCF-20 to guide care, continuous monitoring, and individualized interventions in long-term care facilities.

Keywords: Long-Term Care Facilities; Functionality; Vulnerability.