Sexuality in nursing homes: practice and policy

Area of Science:

• Gerontology
• Sociology of Health
• Nursing Home Care

Background:

• Older adults' sexuality is frequently overlooked in long-term care settings.
• Cultural beliefs often misrepresent older adults as asexual, contradicting observed sexual activity.
• Sexual expression among residents in nursing homes is a prevalent but under-addressed issue.

Purpose of the Study:

• To examine the scope of sexuality among nursing home residents.
• To understand staff reactions to resident sexual behavior.
• To assess existing policies and guidelines for addressing sexual activity in long-term care.

Main Methods:

• A written survey was administered to 91 nursing homes.
• The survey collected data on resident sexuality, staff responses, and institutional policies.
• Data analysis focused on the frequency of sexual activity and the nature of staff reactions and policies.

Main Results:

• Eighty-five percent of surveyed nursing homes reported resident sexual activity.
• Staff reactions were guided by general policies, often viewing sexual expression as non-normative.
• Consent and privacy issues, particularly for residents with dementia, were managed under existing general policies.

Conclusions:

• There is a significant need for specialized policies and staff training on resident sexual expression.
• Development of these policies should involve nurses, family members, and residents.
• Addressing sexuality in nursing homes requires a shift towards recognizing and supporting older adults' sexual rights and needs.