Os serviços de apoio domiciliário e a promoção da saúde e bem-estar das pessoas idosas: o caso da Santa Casa da Misericórdia da Amadora

This study examines the role of Home Care Services in promoting the health and well-being of older adults in the municipality of Amadora, Portugal. The objective was to characterize the profile of service users and assess the impact of these services on their quality of life. A quantitative methodology was employed, with data collected through interviews conducted between January and May 2023, involving 69 users of the Home Care Services Center of Santa Casa da Misericórdia da Amadora. The results reveal that 65.20% of the users are women, with the majority (42.03%) aged between 80 and 89 years. All users face health and mobility challenges. The most prevalent conditions are hypertension (55.07%), heart problems (36.23%), and osteoarticular issues (24.64%). Regarding mobility, 72.46% can move independently within their homes, though 24.6% never leave due to architectural barriers. Additionally, 40.58% of the users live alone, primarily relying on informal support from their children and formal care provided by the Home Care Services for their needs. The study concludes that Home Care Services are essential for promoting the autonomy, health, and quality of life of the elderly population. Continuous training for caregivers, improving accessibility infrastructure, and strengthening community support networks are crucial to addressing the challenges of demographic aging.