Aged care needs to be ‘adult’ about sexuality

Luke Greive, RSL Care acting chief executive, says older Australians have a right to express their sexuality when living in residential aged care.

“We need the courage to discuss these topics openly and honestly with the collective goal to improve the holistic physical and emotional wellbeing of our clients,” Mr Greive says. “We are talking about adults who have the right to make adult decisions,” he adds.

Mr Greive claims sexuality is an important aspect of an adult’s life and impacted their relationships.

“At RSL Care, we seek to understand all aspects of our resident’s lives and what is important to them through our holistic approach. It helps to shape and influence every decision we make in supporting quality of care – and life,” he says.

“As providers of aged care we have a responsibility to ensure all aspects of our seniors physical and emotional wellbeing needs are being met, including their identity and relationships. Our residential care communities are after all, our resident’s homes.”

Mr Greive says the aged care industry needs to be open to changed community expectations around sex and ageing.

“I don’t think people reach a certain age and their sexuality automatically shuts down or the relationships they have or plan to have no longer function at the same level,” he says.

“Because you are ageing does not mean your wants and needs cease. Conversely, it is at this time of your life – when you may feel most alone and vulnerable, that feeling confident, safe and secure in yourself and your surroundings is most important.

“People living in residential aged care should have the opportunity to maintain choice and control in all aspects of their lives – including their sexuality.”