Abstract
Objective: To identify the level of dependency of the elderly in two long-term institutions for the elderly in the city of Santa Maria / RS. Methods: This is a work of a quantitative, descriptive and exploratory character. The sample was elaborated with the participation of 44 elderly people, of both sexes, residing in two Long-Term Institutions in the municipality of Santa Maria. The Katz test was performed to measure the ability of the elderly to practice their daily activities. Results: The descriptive analysis showed an average age of 78.9 years, with a predominance of females, 84%, of the Catholic religion 84.09%, with incomplete elementary education, 50% and, in the use of medication, predominance of use from 5 to 10 drugs, with 45% of those institutionalized. Concerning the degree of dependence, 84% are dependent for bathing and dressing; 56.82% for mobility; 75% for the use of the toilet; 68% for continence control. Conclusion: Most of the elderly in the analyzed institutions were considered dependent for the development of activities of daily living.