Sex in a LTC...is this ok?

Published

A really close girlfriend of mine who is a new grad works in a LTC Facility on the 11p-7a shift. While doing her rounds she walks in on two residents having sexual intercourse.she didn't stop she simply walked out the room in shock. Was she suppose to say something or is this allowed? There was no record of either of them having a spouse that was in the LTC so we know they weren't married...is this allowed in hospitals? I'm a new grad as well and never heard of this being OK..

I remember that on my CNA exam there was a similar question and the correct intervention for two residents having sex was to "provide privacy."

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Of course it's OK, as long as it is consensual. LTC is not like a hospital. LTC is the residents home. They are most likely there for life, and they have the right to live their life. I can't believe you didn't learn that in nursing school. Even prison inmates get conjugal visits.

A hospital is different because it is a short term thing to treat an illness. Yes, some people are there for months, and that's a different situation. But a hospital is not the patient's home.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in LTC.

Yeah I remember learning that innursing school..just give them privacy..whoo hoo if an 80-90 yr old couple can still get it on...good for them

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Should any effort be made to make sure the couple is practicing safe sex? After the deed is done, next day? I have read studies that show STD's are spreading faster amoungst the older crowd then the younger, since the younger crowd has been drilled to use condoms.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Emergency Nursing.
Should any effort be made to make sure the couple is practicing safe sex? After the deed is done, next day? I have read studies that show STD's are spreading faster amoungst the older crowd then the younger, since the younger crowd has been drilled to use condoms.

Good question. It seems that doing safe sex education and making condoms available would be the very least.

I too have heard about a near epidemic of HPV and chlamydia among the elderly. Many are blaming the wide availability of ED drugs which may or may not be being appropriately prescribed.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Well the others have said everything I would have but, yes if both residents are of sound mind and able to give consent it's fine.

I personally hope to be that active in my old age!;)

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in ER.
A really close girlfriend of mine who is a new grad works in a LTC Facility on the 11p-7a shift. While doing her rounds she walks in on two residents having sexual intercourse.she didn't stop she simply walked out the room in shock. Was she suppose to say something or is this allowed? There was no record of either of them having a spouse that was in the LTC so we know they weren't married...is this allowed in hospitals? I'm a new grad as well and never heard of this being OK..

It's fine. They're adults, leave them be and return later.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in LTC, Psych, Hospice.

I personally hope to be that active in my old age!;)

ME TOO!

Up Vote Up Vote ×

If both are consenting adults, by all means, give them their privacy...and maybe a "Do Not Disturb" sign for the door knob:yeah:

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Working in a LTC as an aid its one of the first things we learn in CNA class about residents rights. As long as they both are with it x3 then it's ok. And if you stumble on to a couple having sex your suppose to close the door and wait until you think they are done.

Now we have had to separate residents because of one was more with it then the other and there was sexual abuse going on we have to protect them if that is going on.

And are you all knocking first before you go in the room?Or are you just walking in like you own the place? Most nursing staff forget that one thing. Knock loud enough so they hear you and announce Nurse CNA MED TECH. Remember it's their home Your a Guest. These are my thoughts use them as you wish.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

LTC is not a hospital. This is their home and they have rights. Sexuality is part of life and a natural human need. If this is their home who are we to take away their right to as healthy a life as possible and sexuality is part of wellness. I say shut the door and give the poor people their privacy! As long as they are not in a double room and making the roommate feel uncomfortable give them the time and space to do this. However, STDs are actually big in this population so having a conversation to be sure they are being safe and using condoms is not innappropriate.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Oh and I forgot to mention-- legally both residents need to have capacity in order to be considered consenting. If either or both residents is lacking capacity there can be legal ramifications if either or both family wanted to press charges for sexual assult. Now if the couple was married prior to an loss of capacity I believe that is assumed consent.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion