Sex in a LTC...is this ok?

[AKAnurse4]

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..

[Flare, ASN, BSN]

. Now if the couple was married prior to an loss of capacity I believe that is assumed consent.

I would say not necessarily. Even if a married couple were hospitalized, if one were not fully oriented, one can't assume that both partners would be willing particiapnts. i've seen more cases of spousal rape than i'd like to have.

[VivaLasViejas, ASN, RN]

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

~sigh~

I'd like to be that active in my late-middle age!!

[kcmylorn]

I would check the facility's policy. Sounds strange,but---- I worked in one LTC (large company privately owned), where it was ok if AAOX3 but in another (a county government run) where it was not even if AAOx3- We had to check their VS for 3 days including a temp. Being the wisecracking nurse that I am- I would ask why- "Are they ovulating" probably why they didn't like me much.!

[hiddencatRN, BSN, RN]

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."

We had a a question in our fundamentals class like this and the correct answer was to provide privacy. One of the (incorrect) options was to educate on safe sex and our teacher did a mini-stand up routine on why that was an inappropriate time to engage in patient education!

[DizzyLizzyNurse]

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

How about a sock on the door knob?

Yup they are allowed if they are A & O x3. Even if they are married to other people. We had a man and woman who would have sex even though they were both married to other people (who didn't live in the facility). We weren't allowed to stop them even though they were cheating on their SO.

On a cuter note, we used to set up "dates" for 2 residents. He had asked her to eat dinner with him so we set up a table so they could sit separately, put on a nice table cloth, an electric candle and some flowers, and they'd be on their date. So cute! Guys my age aren't that romantic.

[Belle Epoque]

Apparently not even if A&Ox3 as a couple on an advanced dementia unit in LTC hadn't a clue where, or who, they were but still remembered how to shag. The POAs were okay with it so no attempts were made to stop the trysts.

[cebuana_nurse]

Hmmm.. As a nurse, provide privacy. LOL

[Psyc_Guy]

Having formerly worked in a job that would lead me to visit LTCs or RCFs, the population tended to be individuals with mental illnesses. Some of these facilities were "old folks homes" but most were geared toward those with mental illness. Many of the residents were "not their own person" meaning they had guardians (usually the guardian was an elected official for the state). The problem with this is that if they have guardians, their guardians may say they cannot have sex or if the facility they are placed in does not allow it, they cannot do it. Therefore, they cannot technically consent. Also, some of those clients have personality disorders that may complicate things. A consent one night might turn into allegations of force the next morning. If I were a nurse working in a more restrictive facility, I would not want to have to deal with being questioned by the police because two of the residents wanted to have sex. So, I guess it comes down to a matter of nature of the population, facility rules, and ability to consent.

[*green]

If they are both consensual adults, then it is ok.

[Anoetos, BSN, RN]

We had a a question in our fundamentals class like this and the correct answer was to provide privacy. One of the (incorrect) options was to educate on safe sex and our teacher did a mini-stand up routine on why that was an inappropriate time to engage in patient education!

Well, I didn't mean right that moment!

LoL

[vegas2009]

LOL... how can anyone get turned on in a LTC?? They usually smell like poop, puke, pee or all of the above?? At times, they smell like BAD BREATH... eek! LOL. Sometimes, I can't even breathe right when I walk the freakin' hallways! Eww.....

As for hospitals, they usually smell like Lysol! Now, that's NOT a turn on either! lol.

[daimere]

Defiantly give privacy. Although I wish more CNAs would remember this when they walk in on men masturbating. Too many go, "pshhh, they say he was a preacher and he's touching himself!" Hello, men, even preachers, have needs.