Resident sexual rights

Published

I realize working in LTC that Residents have just as many rights as anyone else.

Many Residents choose to be sexually active. That is in no way a problem for me, but where is the limit to our (nursing staff) involvement required. We have to provide safe, private room, all the basics i get that.

Do we have to lay a total transfer resident down so a Co Resident can have "private time" What about incont. issues. Family issues.

I have read lot of things on internet lately about babyboomers and such that more issues about sexual right are happening.

If a staff member feels strongly that they cant assist in any way due to religious believe or just moral issues. Example Resident not married, spouse isn't a Resident, staff does not have issues with anyones sexual rights just doesnt want to get involved in assisting in any form or way. There a many people who can assist with transfers for this activity who dont have issues that it does not interfere with Residents rights. Also we get into the issues of homosexual relationships, oral and other things . Birth control, ect.

What about condoms or job is to provide safety for them. This is just a thought not to step on toes and not to upset anyone.

Things are changing.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Med-Surg, Agency nurse.

I worked at a LTC where this was a big issue. We gave the at age women birth control injections. And if we were to walk in on a resident having sex(and of course it seemed consentual) then we were to pull the curtains and leave. I dont think that nurses should be mandated to set up these "meetings". Im not even sure what any policy would say in that situation.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in acute rehab, med surg, LTC, peds, home c.

I worked in LTC for 10 years and the issue of consensual sex never came up. What kind of place are you working in? Are the pt young/disabled?

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in ICU.
I worked in LTC for 10 years and the issue of consensual sex never came up. What kind of place are you working in? Are the pt young/disabled?

My goodness... that was the same thing I was thinking. The only LTC I've ever worked at had very VERY elderly patients and I've never had a problem like this before.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I'm not yet a nurse, hopefully on the way to being a nursing student this fall but I do volunteer at a LTC facility. During our orientation we were told the patients at this location could have arrangements made to facilitate conjugal visits. The nursing staff would get a request from a patient and they would go about setting up a room for them, making sure they were not disturbed, had a call button, were comfortable etc.

It was just a basic overview to let us know this does take place and to be aware. They also stressed that these patients had sexual rights just like anyone else and we should let someone know if we were not comfortable so they could give us a more in depth briefing on the topic.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in ER, ICU,.

OMG! I cannot believe this!!

I have walked in on pts (pedi) parents having sex before. There were young, and didn't stop when I came in. I just stood with my back to them the whole time. Yes, they knew I was coming in, and said "come in" when I knocked!!!

And, she was on top!!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in acute rehab, med surg, LTC, peds, home c.
OMG! I cannot believe this!!

I have walked in on pts (pedi) parents having sex before. There were young, and didn't stop when I came in. I just stood with my back to them the whole time. Yes, they knew I was coming in, and said "come in" when I knocked!!!

And, she was on top!!

What did you do?

Up Vote Up Vote ×
OMG! I cannot believe this!!

I have walked in on pts (pedi) parents having sex before. There were young, and didn't stop when I came in. I just stood with my back to them the whole time. Yes, they knew I was coming in, and said "come in" when I knocked!!!

And, she was on top!!

So inappropriate! :eek:

Up Vote Up Vote ×
:down: poor kids....and to the parents: ***????
Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Acute Care Psych, DNP Student.

Geez, this thread reminds me of the time we caught my grandpa kissing at the nursing home. Problem - he wasn't kissing my grandma. Grandma was in another room.

:eek:

Somehow I suspect more goes on in these LTC facilities than we might think.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

All I can say is they better get a private room...

Up Vote Up Vote ×

There are older and younger Residents in the LTC where i work ages range 33- 90s.

Like i said before I understand Residents rights. But this leads to questions as well,

What if a Resident states they had been raped? Think about it. They have sex once he wants to continue grandma want to get up, but instead he will not stop. No means no.

Police are called in and you as the nurse have to explain why you put Resident on bed or whatever What happens then and no I don't feel the facility will back you up if goes to court.

I for one have moral issues other nurses there can take care of this area I will not be involved in any way even if i loss my job gotta stand up for what you believe is right I believe it to be wrong for so many reasons If they are alert and orientated can go to room with out staff having to be that is their business I dont mean to go on about this but i am blown away by some of it

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion