Functional capacity evaluation of elderly people: activity of the family health strategy teams

Objective: To evaluate the functional capacity of elderly people who attend groups in a Basic Family Health Unit (BFHU) and verify how the group attendance has influence on the functional capacity for the accomplishment of activities of daily living. Method: Quanti-qualitative and exploratory-descriptive research, performed with elderly people in a city of Rio Grande do Sul state. We conducted interviews and application of instruments for evaluating the functional capacity. Data were analyzed through frequency distribution and thematic analysis. It was approved by the Ethics Committee, under Opinion 93/2015. Results: The group participants are mostly independent in the basic activities of daily living, totaling 97% (29). In instrumental activities of daily living, 37% (11) showed a maximum score, thus being independent. The surveyed elderly have evaluated that the group helps in maintaining independence and autonomy. Conclusion: The functional capacity evaluation enables us to diagnose changes and implement interventions that promote the independence and autonomy of the elderly person.