Work with Sexuality in Care Facilities

The project works with the systematic introduction of work with sexuality and relationships in residential, healthcare and education facilities. This is not established in most of the facilities. Therefore, the rights of clients may be violated. The creation of "Guide for working with sexuality” was based on research, cooperation with facilities with focus on the needs of clients, personnel and organizations. The Guide helps facilities to go through the process of introducing work with sexuality and create a sexually-friendly environment where sexuality can be fulfilled safely with dignity.

In social care facilities information on sexuality and relationships is not often covered, clients' rights may thus be violated.  

The main goal of the project is to provide a climate that is open and friendly to sexuality and supports relationships; an environment that is healthy and safe for everyone. Clients can openly express needs regarding sexuality, and staff is able to respond to them, supported by the organisation's management. To this end a “Guide for working with sexuality” was created to help organisations address these issues.  

The project mainly works with the clients of social care facilities. The activities are aimed at improving their quality of life. To this end, the involvement of management and staff in direct care it vital. The taboo nature of sexuality is why the guide also involves caregivers. Support is therefore offered to all stakeholders. 

Social care facilities can implement the system of work with sexuality based on the needs of their clients and can be implemented within a year. The guide leads the facility through the process systematically, with an emphasis on the involvement of all actors (clients, staff, management) with the aim of normalising the taboo subject of sexuality. 

With minor changes, the proposed solution can be applied to other target groups in all regions e.g. in senior citizen facilities. The project plans to update the "Guide for working with sexuality" by adding topics related to sexuality in older age.