Sexuality and sexual health: Policy in Australian residential aged care.
Autor: McAuliffe, Linda; Fetherstonhaugh, Deirdre; Bauer, Michael
Publication year: 2020
Australasian journal on ageing
issn:1741-6612 1440-6381
doi: 10.1111/ajag.12602
Abstract:
OBJECTIVE: To examine the extent and scope of written policies about sexuality and sexual health for older people living in Australian residential aged care facilities. METHODS: Postal survey sent to all 2766 Australian residential aged care facilities. Respondents were asked to indicate whether the facility had written policies on sexuality and sexual health and to return copies. Content analysis was performed on policies returned. RESULTS: Surveys were returned by 1094 facilities. Less than one-quarter reported having a policy regarding sexuality (n = 237/1049; 23%) or sexual health (n = 129/985; 13%). Less than one-tenth (n = 74/1049; 7%) returned a written policy; only two-thirds of these policies were dedicated to sexuality or sexual health. CONCLUSION: Most residential aged care staff do not have access to policies on sexuality or sexual health to guide their practice resident intimacy and sexual health needs are at risk of being ignored.
Language: eng
Rights: Editorial material and organization © 2020 AJA Inc. Copyright of individual abstracts remains with the authors.
Pmid: 30516308
Tags: Humans; Aged; Australia; Sexual Behavior; Policy; sexuality; Sexuality; policy; sexual health; *Sexual Health; nursing home; aged
Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30516308/
