[Depression among the elderly in a long-term residential institution: proposal for nursing action].

The objectives of this study were: identifying the presence of depression among elderly dwelling in an Elderly Clinic; proposing a nursing action in order to prevent depression among these elderly guests. Descriptive research carried out at Abrigo Cristo Redentor, in Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil, with a sampling of 41 aged people. Seven out of them presented depression. The main symptoms were: hopelessness; uselessness feeling; insomnia; sadness among others. We concluded by recognizing the difficulties faced by the elderly who need to live in an Elderly Clinic and the importance of the nurse presence to better handle their difficulties.