RESIDENT-INFORMED SEXUAL EXPRESSION POLICY: AN EXAMINATION OF FUTURE CONSUMERS OF NURSING HOME CARE

摘要

There is a notable lack of sexual expression policy in nursing homes. Without formal policy, homes determine what is “best,” which may not consider the rights/wishes of the resident. We will present two studies conducted in the US underscoring the importance of resident-informed sexual expression policy. The first study is a content analysis of public comments about sexual expression and dementia, in reaction to a New York Times article. Comments revealed what factors the public felt should be considered for their future care, including: status/history of the relationship, potential harm, assent, privacy, and others. The second study examines older adults’ evaluations of hypothetical sexual activities among nursing home residents. Different levels of each factor (assent, relationship status, cognition) are randomly assigned within vignettes. Appropriateness ratings are examined via a series of ANOVAs. Results are compared with the public comments to further illustrate factors important in crafting policy that is resident-centered.