Vulnerability of institutionalized older people and social support in the perspective of the COVID-19 pandemic

Abstract Objective Discuss covid-19 prevention measures in the context of the vulnerability of institutionalized elderly people and analyze the social support offered to Long Stay Institutions for the Elderly during the pandemic. Method Qualitative research carried out with workers from 24 philanthropic institutions in Rio Grande do Norte. The concepts of vulnerability in health and social support supported the organization and discussion of data submitted to thematic analysis. Results The institutions partially adopted the prevention measures recommended by the National Health Surveillance Agency, in evidence: cancellation of visits, use of Personal Protective Equipment and cleaning of environments. For the most part, institutions prioritized the control of viral transmission, putting the reduction of socio-psychological impacts related to social distancing and isolation in the background. Measures not recommended and without scientific evidence were observed, such as the use of ivermectin. Also, the performance of social assistance and health networks was carried out in a more integrated way, improving the social support offered to institutions in the perspective of the pandemic. The Unified Health System stood out for its sanitary recommendations, supply of supplies and attention from the Family Health Strategy, while the Unified Social Assistance System acted in a less expressive way. Conclusion In general, the measures adopted were insufficient to prevent covid-19 in view of the susceptibilities of institutionalized elderly people. Although the pandemic has expanded the social support network and the visibility of Long-Stay Institutions for the Elderly, greater investments by the government are necessary to effectively reduce the vulnerability of these elderly people. Resumo Objetivo Discutir as medidas de prevenção da covid-19 no contexto da vulnerabilidade das pessoas idosas institucionalizadas e analisar o apoio social ofertado às Instituições de Longa Permanência para Idosos durante a pandemia. Método Pesquisa qualitativa realizada com trabalhadores de 24 instituições filantrópicas do Rio Grande do Norte. Os conceitos de vulnerabilidade em saúde e apoio social embasaram a organização e discussão dos dados submetidos à análise temática. Resultados As instituições adotaram, parcialmente, as medidas de prevenção recomendadas pela Agencia Nacional de Vigilância Sanitária, em evidência: cancelamento de visitas, uso de Equipamentos de Proteção Individua