Understanding Sexual Safety in Residential Aged Care: A Workforce Perspective

Individuals living in Residential Aged Care Facilities (RACFs) have the right to sexual safety and to be protected from all forms of unwanted sexual behaviour. Emerging evidence suggests that sexual safety breaches can occur within aged care settings, placing vulnerable residents at risk. Aged care workers have a significant role in ensuring their sexual safety and protection.

This study aimed to explore the perspectives and experiences of aged care workers regarding the sexual safety of aged care residents.

The study used an exploratory qualitative descriptive design. Data were collected from 22 participants (n = 14 nurses and n = 8 personal care workers) across various RACFs in Australia through semistructured interviews. Data were analysed using thematic analysis.

Five major themes derived from the study include the following: sexual safety matters: perspectives on sexual safety, dimensions of sexual vulnerability, it was just seen as behaviour: implications for identification and escalation, perceived barriers and building sexual safety through shared ownership.

Findings highlight gaps in sexual safety knowledge, reporting practices and workforce preparation within residential aged care, with cultural and personal backgrounds influencing perceptions and responses to sexual safety incidents. Strengthening leadership, tailored mandatory sexual safety education and clear reporting pathways are essential to support a sexually safe environment while upholding residents' sexual autonomy and rights.

Findings suggest that nursing management should prioritise the implementation of tailored sexual safety education, strengthen organisational reporting systems and support workforce capability in recognising and responding to sexual safety incidents. Leadership approaches that foster consistent reporting practices and uphold residents' sexual autonomy may contribute to safer residential aged care environments.