Sexuality and intimacy among care home residents

Simpson, Paul

Paul Simpson is lecturer in applied health and social care, Edge Hill University; Maria Horne is senior lecturer/researcher in public health, University of Bradford; Laura JE Brown is lecturer in psychology, Tommy Dickinson is lecturer in nursing studies, both at University of Manchester; and Christine Brown Wilson is associate professor in nursing studies, University of Queensland, Australia. All are members of the Older People's Understandings of Sexuality research initiative.

•This article has been double-blind peer reviewed

5 key points

1 People often incorrectly assume that older people are no longer interested in sex, sexual activity or intimacy

2 Care home staff may find it difficult to raise the issue of sex with residents

3 Staff can look for clues that help to indicate whether a resident has an interest in sexual matters or intimacy

4 Building a trusting relationship with residents is crucial to successfully raising the issue of sex with them

5 Care homes can take steps to highlight their openness to discussing issues of sexuality and intimacy before a resident moves in

Nursing Times 112(10):p 14-16, March 9, 2016.

Abstract

Simpson P et al (2016) Sexuality and intimacy among care home residents. Nursing Times; 112: 10, 14–16.

Discussing sexuality and intimacy with older people can be problematic, so it is not uncommon that their needs go unrecognised. This article identifies barriers to addressing sexuality and intimacy needs, and outlines some simple strategies to raise awareness of them among older care home residents and staff, thereby facilitating a discussion to enable such needs to be met.

The idea that care home residents have no interest in sex and intimacy is not uncommon but their needs, and how best to meet them, must be recognised

In this article…

> Why sex is considered taboo for older people

> Identifying care home residents’ interest in sexual matters

> How to address the sexual needs of care home residents