Nursing home sexuality: Nursing assistants' training, attitudes and responses to resident sexuality
Date
2004-05
Authors
Traugott, Alice Elizabeth
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Abstract
Thirteen nursing assistants were interviewed to examine the training they receive to address and understand sexuality and the elderly in nursing homes. In-depth, face-to-face interviews were conducted to investigate training on resident sexuality, attitudes toward resident sexuality and responses to sexuality by nursing assistants in nursing homes. The five men and eight women in this study revealed a lack of training specific to elderly sexuality and a variety of responses in dealing with instances of sexuality in the nursing home setting. All of the nursing assistants revealed problems with adhering to nursing home regulations on resident privacy. Several male respondents reported organizing their work around issues of gender and sexuality. Results were mixed as to whether nursing assistants believe that residents should have more opportunities for sexual freedom in nursing homes. The findings expose a lack of research, training and understanding in issues of sexuality and the elderly living in nursing homes. Overall, nursing assistants enjoy their work and believe that they make a positive contribution to the welfare of the residents with whom they work.
Description
Keywords
nurses' aides, institutional care, nursing home patients, older people, sexual behavior
Citation
Traugott, A. E. (2004). Nursing home sexuality: Nursing assistants' training, attitudes and responses to resident sexuality (Unpublished thesis). Texas State University-San Marcos, San Marcos, Texas.