Question 5

Sex

Question 5 is designed to evaluate the resident’s views on sex and the level of importance they place on engaging in sexual behaviours. By comprehending the significance of sex to the resident, appropriate measures can be taken to support them to engage in the sexual behaviours they desire, where reasonably possible. This question also identifies any barriers that may be preventing the resident from participating in their preferred sexual behaviours.

5A: What does sex mean to you?

5B: How important is it to you to engage in sexual behaviour/activity in your life?

5C: What forms of sexual behaviours/activity do you prefer or enjoy?

5D: What do you think is preventing you from being able to engage in sexual behaviour/activity that you enjoy?

The resident may indicate that it is important to them to engage in sexual behaviours. Below are several suggestions for how the resident can be supported to engage in these behaviours.

Oral or penetrative sex
  • If the resident currently has a partner, encourage the resident to speak with their partner about their needs and preferences.
  • If the resident does not currently have a partner, the care team may wish to discuss the possibility of engaging services, such as Touching Base, an organisation which can connect older people with sex workers. This can be recommended on the resident’s care plan, with discussions around funding opportunities for this.
  • Educate care staff on sexuality and aging, including sexual health, sexual orientation, and the importance of consent.
  • Encourage open communication between residents and care staff about their sexual needs and preferences.
  • Ensure that residents have privacy and confidentiality when engaging in sexual activities, including access to private spaces.
  • Ensure that all sexual activities are consensual and that residents have the ability to comprehend and give consent.
  • Provide access to sexual aids and devices, such as lubricants, vibrators, and condoms.
  • Provide opportunities for residents to socialise and form relationships with others who share their interests and needs.
  • Ensure that care staff are inclusive and respectful of all sexual orientations and gender identities.
  • Foster a culture of empathy and respect for the residents’ sexual desires and preferences, and address any stigma or discrimination that may exist.
  • Develop policies and procedures that promote sexual health and well-being, and ensure that these policies are communicated to staff and residents.
  • Provide ongoing training to care staff on sexuality and aging, including how to support residents with their sexual needs and preferences.
Masturbation with or without adult toys
  • Create a supportive environment where the older person feels comfortable discussing their needs and preferences with care staff.
  • When discussing masturbation with the resident, it is important to use non- judgmental language and avoid shaming or stigmatising language.
  • Ensure that the older person has a private space where they can engage in masturbation without feeling self-conscious or embarrassed, and allow the older person to make decisions about their own sexual health and wellbeing, including whether or not they wish to use toys.
  • Ensure that the older person has access to the types of toys and materials they prefer to use, and allow them to experiment with different options if desired.
  • Provide the resident with information and education about the benefits of masturbation, including the release of tension, improved mood, and reduced pain.
  • If the resident wishes to use adult toys, education will also need to be provided to the resident regarding how to safely use these (e.g., hygiene between uses).
  • Resources such as books, videos, or websites, may be provided to the resident that offer guidance on masturbation techniques and toy usage.
  • The care team may need to be informed that the resident wishes to engage in masturbation, to allow privacy for the resident to engage in these behaviours.
Reading adult books or magazines, or watching adult movies
  • Allow for the resident to explore their preferences, and provide a range of different materials for them to use.
  • It is important to respect the resident’s right to privacy and freedom of expression.
  • If a resident expresses a desire to engage in these activities, care staff should consider the resident’s capacity to understand the content and potential consequences, as well as the impact on other residents and care staff, if any.
  • Where appropriate, efforts can be made to provide the resident with adult materials, such as books, magazines, and movies, and provide a range of different materials so that the resident can explore their preferences.
  • Care staff should also consider the appropriateness of the materials based on cultural and religious beliefs of the resident and the community.
  • Ensure that the older person has privacy and is comfortable with the chosen activity.
  • Provide them with the necessary equipment, such as a TV or a tablet, to engage in the activity.
  • Discuss with them any concerns they may have about accessing or viewing this content and provide reassurance as needed.
  • Offer guidance and support in navigating and accessing appropriate content.
  • Discuss with them any potential risks associated with these activities, such as the risk of scams or malware when accessing pornographic websites, and provide tips on how to stay safe.