Sexuality and Ageing
Sexuality and Ageing
Sexual Health and Family Planning ACT (SHFPACT) has recognised that there are significant discrepancies in education and organisational policy relating to older people being able to exercise their sexual rights within residential aged care facilities.
SHFPACT is collaborating with University of Canberra student, David Turner, in conducting a comprehensive project aimed at improving the quality of life of older people living in ACT Resident Aged Care Facilities (RACFs). The project is focused on their sexual rights and respecting them as sexual beings.
The project will provide the research base for a sexual health training package designed for aged care workers, community workers, allied health professionals and RACF managers to learn more about how they can support their residents and their sexual rights within their RACF. It will also provide the evidence and information that will enable SHFPACT to assist RACFs to form good policy to support their residents’ sexual rights.
A focus on sexuality and ageing is a priority in SHFPACT’s Strategic Plan. SHFPACT plans to develop and deliver accredited training options in sexuality, reproductive and sexual health issues for the aged care sector workforce (SHFPACT Strategic Plan, 2014, p.6). SHFPACT will invite key industry stakeholders to form a project Steering Committee to oversee the development of this initiative.
Project Researcher: The researcher, Mr David Turner, is a thrid year Bachelor of Community Education student at the University of Canberra (UC). In order to meet the project information requirements, David is collecting qualitative data from RACF Senior Management and Staff, and quantitative data from future RACF Residents.
If you are interested in participating in this data collection, please email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or contact Lauren Cannell on 6247 3077.