Sexuality in residential aged care

‘Do not disturb’ signs aren’t just for newlyweds anymore, according to US ageing researchers.

They are also a way to give nursing home residents some privacy for sexual expression, according to Kansas State University ageing experts, who spoke at the American Association of Homes and Services for the Aging conference in October this year.
 
“By law you can’t always lock a room, but you can offer residents some privacy,” said Gayle Doll, who directs K-State’s Center on Aging.

She said semi-private rooms pose a problem for nursing home residents who want to engage in sexual activity, either alone or with a partner. That’s why two of the center’s researchers are looking at ways to make nursing home staff more comfortable accommodating the sexual needs of residents.

Ms Doll said that because nursing home staff don’t receive any education in this area, they tend to either ignore or condemn these needs.

“We just want people to start talking about these issues,” she said. “Once you start talking about it with nursing home staff, everyone has a story.”

The researchers surveyed the staff before and after a workshop they presented. The surveys, as well as anecdotal feedback from the participants, showed a marked change in attitudes.

“They really felt this was a topic that they needed to be educated on,” the researchers said. “Part of it is that American society is not supportive of older people and sex. It’s been a taboo, and it’s an even bigger taboo in nursing homes. After the presentation, the participants felt more confident talking about it and dealing with sexual expression of residents.” 

Alzheimer’s and dementia raise questions about the ability to consent, and these conditions also may spur sexual behavior that’s inappropriate.

“Even though we advocate for residents’ rights, there are things that are inappropriate,” Ms Doll said. “But staff must be able to handle this without residents feeling embarrassed. Inappropriate behavior can just come from people needing relationships, not necessarily sexual ones.”

Ms Doll said the researchers hope to see federal guidelines developed to help all nursing homes deal with sexuality in a positive way, especially as baby boomers age and bring their attitudes about sex with them to the nursing home.

“Nursing homes are the second most regulated industry next to nuclear power, and yet these regulations don’t address sexuality,” Ms Doll said.