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.
A lot of LTC residents have dementia, which really blurs the lines of consent. That's why it seems iffy to me. It's easy to say they have the right in theory, but I'm glad none of that seems to be going on where I work!
I heard that regardless of age or dementia doesnt take away right to have sexual activity have comfort and human closeness.
Another thought the messy clean up yes we clean up after incont. all the time but.. yuck
Cant tell family members unless resident declared mentally incomp. by judge hippi I dont know how do yall feel or think about this think about that fine line are you ready to cross it
Specializes in Home Care, Primary care NP, QI, Nsg Adm.
I don't recall any nursing standards regarding helping patients get into position or any other assistance for sexual reasons. And, I cannot see how a nurse would be responsible in any way. What instructions would you write in the Kardex?
Imagine placing your patient in the 'position' and you come back and find him/her or both coded. What a sentinel event that would be! I'd hate to write that incident report!!.
fuzzywuzzy, CNA
1,816 Posts
A lot of LTC residents have dementia, which really blurs the lines of consent. That's why it seems iffy to me. It's easy to say they have the right in theory, but I'm glad none of that seems to be going on where I work!