Not in the Brochure: Porneia and Residential Aged Care

Sexuality and intimacy in residential aged care (RAC) are receiving increased research attention. In this article, porneia refers to access to sex workers, as well as online pornography, and masturbation by residents in RAC. Sex work is legal and regulated in Aotearoa New Zealand.

The present study was a two-arm mixed-method cross-sectional study using a concurrent triangulation design. A validated survey tool was developed. Data were collected in 2018-2019: 433 staff surveys were collected from 35 RAC across the country; 61 interviews were carried out with 77 staff, residents, and family members.

Staff opinions about sex work and pornography were inconclusive. Nevertheless, access to sex workers occurs in many RAC facilities across the country. Interviews demonstrated a diversity of responses among the three groups; staff attitudes are paramount.

Some staff are prepared for resident requests for sex workers; others continue to look to policies and management for guidance, but such policies are often lacking. Most staff have adopted the language of needs vs. rights which dominates the literature.

Staff education on sexuality and facility policy is essential; education for residents and their families is also desirable. Facilities often over-notify third parties. Discourse about sexuality needs to move towards a person-centred, salutogenic approach.