Sexuality in the Nursing Home

Abstract

Despite a growing body of literature that contradicts previous stereotypes, negative myths about late life sexuality have persisted. These attitudes had been more entrenched in nursing homes where residents' sexuality have been perceived primarily as behavioral. At one nursing home, a policy and video training program on sexual expression was developed, with staff training, environmental modifications, and work with families, based on sexual expression as a right of consenting adults. This policy can serve nursing homes which face challenges presented by new cohorts of older adults and their families.

Key Words:

• Sexuality and older adults
• myths and stereotypes about the aged
• nursing home residents' rights to sexual expression
• quality of life