Catering to Love, Sex and Intimacy in Residential Aged Care: What Information is Provided to Consumers?

A survey was conducted to investigate the extent to which the 826 residential aged care facilities in the State of Victoria, Australia, inform prospective residents and family about how they cater to intimacy and sexuality needs in the written information they provide. An explanatory letter requesting any textual or graphical material that is made available that addresses the issue of intimacy and sexuality, was sent to aged care facility managers. Less than 20% of facilities responded after two reminders. A range of reasons for not participating were provided. Sixty-four percent of facilities indicated that they had no information available on the topic. The responses reinforce the view that older people's need for intimacy and sexual expression in residential care, remains on the periphery and is yet to receive sufficient attention.