Sexuality and Intimacy in Long-Term Care Facilities

Intimacy and physical sexual expression is a basic human right and need throughout the lifespan. Find resources to help caregivers recognize consensual intimacy, protect residents from sexual abuse, and support residents’ rights.

• NORC Resources
• Polices and Guidelines
• Consumer Voice Resources
• Ombudsman Program Examples

​NORC Resources

Virtual Office Hour PowerPoint on Sexual Expression and Intimacy in Long-Term Care Facilities (May 2023)

Polices and Guidelines 

Policies and Procedures Concerning Sexual Expression at the Hebrew Home at Riverdale

Assessing Consent to Sexual Activity in Older Adults 

Consumer Voice Resources

Sexual Abuse in Nursing Homes: What You Need to Know (September 2018)
Issue Brief from Consumer Voice and NCEA 

Striking a Balance: LTC Residents’ Sexual Rights and Diminished Capacity (2016 Consumer Voice Annual Conference)

• Long-Term Care Residents Rights to Sexual Expression (Presentation by: Iowa Office of the State Long-Term Care Ombudsman)

• Capacity to Consent to Sexual Activity (Presentation by: David Godfrey, Senior Attorney - ABA Commission on Law and Aging)

• Case Studies

• Resource List

Ombudsman Program Examples

View Ombudsman program examples on sexuality and intimacy