Sexual Freedom and Autonomy in Assisted Living Facilities

• In Event: 460 - Section on Aging and the Life Course Paper Session. Sexuality over the Life Course

Abstract

In contrast to nursing homes, assisted living facilities emphasize independence and autonomy as part of their mission. However, we do know to what extent this extends to sexual freedom and autonomy. Using grounded theory methodology and symbolic interactionism, we examine how staff and administrators in assisted living facilities discuss residents’ rights to sexual freedom and how this influences the environment of assisted living in AL facilities. We find that although staff and administrators engage in a discourse of residents’ rights that reaffirms the philosophy of assisted living, there is significant conflict between beneficence and autonomy in regards to sexual freedom. Furthermore, they engage in behaviors which creates an environment that is not conducive to the sexual freedom of residents.

Authors

• Christina Barmon, Georgia State University

• Elisabeth O. Burgess, Georgia State University

• James R. Moorhead Jr., Georgia State University

• Alexis A. Bender, U.S. Army Public Health Command