DIFERENTES CONTEXTOS DE INSTITUCIONALIZAÇÃO DA VELHICE: PERSPECTIVAS DE IDOSOS INSTITUCIONALIZADOS.

Faced with changes in society and family structure dynamics, Long Stay Institutions for the Elderly are increasingly alternative housing for this population. The institutionalization experience occurs in a particular way, and the elderly experience it differently. This study aimed to understand the meaning processes of elderly living in an institution. 15 elderly from public, private, or philanthropic institutions participated. Identification questionnaires and semi-structured interviews were used and analyzed from a thematic analysis. Five categories were identified: assessment of everyday life, institutionalization process, social relationships, prospects for the future, and living. Different meanings about living in an institution are constructed, articulating with the life trajectories of each elderly. Three main differences in these meanings are shown according to the context. In the public sector, the elderly are more vulnerable and associate the institution with the guarantee of rights such as housing and food; in the private sector, the elderly are more dependent and have fewer expectations of leaving; in the philanthropic field, entry into the institution was voluntary, with scheduled departures and returns. Despite complaints, the institutions were evaluated positively and may represent an environment conducive to rest, offering security, companionship, and access to primary rights. But they were also associated with abandonment, deposit, imprisonment, and even death. Differences related to gender and age are clues to be explored in future studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]