Sex and Intimacy Policy in Residential Aged Care Facilities in Flanders, Belgium

Abstract

A survey was conducted using the 69 item Sexuality Assessment Tool (SexAT) to identify how supportive residential aged care facilities in Flanders, Belgium are of residents’ sexual expression. 750 aged care facilities were contacted and 69 (9.2%) completed the SexAT survey after three reminders. Findings indicate that no facilities are rated as ‘excellent’ (score greater than 60/69) and only 12% as ‘very good’ (score between 41–59/69). The majority (58%) of facilities are rated as ‘good’ (score between 21–40/69) and 30% scored less than 20/69. While the generalizability of findings is limited due to the low response rate, findings reflect the marginal status of sexuality accorded in the aged care setting and it is surmised, indicative of the low priority given to sexuality by aged care facilities over other measures of wellbeing. Findings mirror other sexuality research in residential aged care.