practical living
‘ Ageist attitudes ’
Research says older people ’ s rights to intimacy are ‘ compromised ’ in aged care
By Arshmah Jamal
New research suggests that residential aged care providers are compromising residents ’ ability to enjoy intimacy and express their sexuality .
La Trobe University ’ s Australian Centre for Evidence-Based Aged Care ( ACEBAC ) surveyed almost 3,000 residential aged-care facilities across Australia . It found that sex and intimacy among its residents are often supervised – or even controlled .
The survey was conducted by Professor Deirdre Fetherstonhaugh and Linda McAuliffe and aimed to identify what factors can influence staff ’ s decision-making regarding a resident ’ s intimate relationships and sexual expression .
“ We presented staff with a case study of a fictionalised couple – Norm and Carol – who develop a close , mutually satisfying relationship while living in residential aged care ,” Ms McAuliffe said .
“ Our findings showed that staff responses are diverse , depending on what information they have , and are likely influenced by personal values and morals rather than formal policies .”
As Australia ’ s population ages , the need for residential aged-care facilities grows . Ms McAuliffe emphasised the importance of respecting older people ’ s right to intimacy and sexual expression in residential settings .
“ There ’ s a common myth that older people are asexual ,” Ms McAuliffe said .
“ This can make older people living in residential aged care feel embarrassed about expressing their needs for intimacy .”
The study revealed barriers that could hinder residents ’ ability to enjoy intimacy and sex , such as lack of privacy or ageist attitudes towards sexuality and ageing .
“ Intimate relationships can have such a powerful positive influence on resident ’ s wellbeing ,” Ms McAuliffe said .
“ Our findings acknowledge that staff views are generally positive , but many staff are unclear about their professional responsibilities and need support .”
According to Ms McAuliffe , providing people with information and resources will be a considerable step in normalising intimacy and sex within residential aged care . She also said keeping residents in mind when making changes was necessary .
“ We need to start asking older people what they need – how can they best be supported ?”
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Providing staff with information and resources is one step in normalising intimacy and sex within residential aged care
“ There needs to be a comprehensive policy to guide staff in their practice and support healthy resident relationships ,” she said .
The study revealed that only half of the facilities had written policies on sexuality , only one in six had policies on sexual health , and one-third had policies on sexual behaviour .
Ms McAuliffe called for uniform and formal education to help staff . As reported in the survey , training on sex and intimacy was either minimal or non-existent .
Over 50 per cent of the staff never had any education or training , and the other half reported that the education content was largely inadequate . “ To help address this issue , ACEBAC is currently developing an online education module which we hope to be able to share with the sector in the coming months ,” Ms McAuiffe said .
“ We need to normalise the need for intimacy as a fundamental part of being human and something that can bring comfort in what can be a very challenging time of life .” ■
24 agedcareinsite . com . au