Abstract

AVEIRO, Mariana Chaves; ACIOLE, Giovanni Gurgel; DRIUSSO, Patricia  and  OISHI, Jorge. Perspectives of physical therapy participation in the Family Health Program for elderly care. Ciênc. saúde coletiva [online]. 2011, vol.16, suppl.1, pp. 1467-1478. ISSN 1413-8123.  http://dx.doi.org/10.1590/S1413-81232011000700082.

The premise of this paper was to introduce the concept of elderly physical therapy care in the Family Health Program. Inspired by the impact attributable to the socio-demographic changes, the increase of an elderly population and for the consolidation of a national health policy inspired by civil rights principles, the authors present an initiative for physical therapy practice aimed at the elderly. The successful integration of physical therapy in the Family Health Program conducted in the city of São Carlos, São Paulo State, has shown that the idea is likely to achieve great results and qualified participation.

Keywords : Physical therapy (specialty); Elderly health care; Family health program.