Need or right: Sexual expression and intimacy in aged care

Area of Science:

• Gerontology
• Sociology of Health
• Healthcare Policy

Background:

• The residential aged care sector faces challenges in addressing residents' sexual expression and intimacy.
• Existing approaches often align with a medical model, focusing on 'needs' rather than 'rights'.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore how the residential aged care sector can better engage with residents' sexual expression and intimacy.
• To compare the perspectives of aged care staff and community members (residents) on sexual expression.

Main Methods:

• Qualitative study employing Appreciative Inquiry principles.
• Data collected via focus groups and interviews with 19 aged care staff and 23 community members.
• Discourse analysis used to interpret findings.

Main Results:

• Aged care staff primarily conceptualize sexual expression as a need to be fulfilled.
• Community members (residents) perceive sexual expression as a right to be exercised.
• The conceptualization of sexual expression significantly influences sector engagement.

Conclusions:

• A 'needs' discourse supports policies and practices focused on staff meeting resident needs.
• A 'rights' discourse promotes policies, practices, and designs enhancing resident privacy and autonomy.
• Shifting towards a 'rights' discourse aligns with a social model of care, empowering residents.