CUIDADOS DE PREVENÇÃO EM IDOSOS DIABÉTICOS INTEGRADOS EM RESPOSTAS SOCIAIS: ESTRUTURAS RESIDENCIAIS PARA PESSOAS IDOSAS

Introduction: Population aging is accompanied by a growing prevalence of chronic diseases, such as Diabetes Mellitus (DM). The complexity of the needs of older adults with diabetes poses a challenge for nurses in implementing preventive care strategies. Objective: This study aims to analyze the knowledge of older adults regarding Diabetes Mellitus. Materials and Methods: This is a descriptive, qualitative study with a phenomenological approach. Data was collected through semi-structured interviews. The analysis involved the extraction of meaning units and thematic categorization using ATLAS.ti software. The sample consisted of seven older adults diagnosed with DM and integrated into social care services. Results: The elderly participants demonstrated varying levels of understanding about DM and its complications, which affects therapeutic success and the effectiveness of preventive measures. This is linked to low educational attainment and limited access to appropriate information. Personalized care is rarely implemented, with general guidance often failing to address the actual needs of older adults. Conclusions: Preventive care in older adults with DM is challenging and requires an individualized and multidisciplinary approach. Nurses play a crucial role in identifying barriers to preventive care, and in promoting self-care and self-monitoring among older adults with diabetes.