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Understanding Sexual Freedom and Autonomy in Assisted Living: Discourse of Residents’ Rights Among Staff and Administrators

Author

Listed:
  • Christina Barmon
  • Elisabeth O. Burgess
  • Alexis A. Bender
  • James R. MoorheadJr.

Abstract

Objectives:In contrast to nursing homes, assisted living (AL) facilities emphasize independence and autonomy as part of their mission. However, we do not know to what extent this extends to sexual freedom and autonomy.Method:Using grounded theory methodology and symbolic interactionism, we examine how staff and administrators in AL facilities discuss residents’ rights to sexual freedom and how this influences the environment of AL.Results:Staff and administrators engage in a contradictory discourse of residents’ rights that simultaneously affirms the philosophy of AL while behaving in ways that create an environment of surveillance and undermine those rights.Discussion:A discourse of residents’ rights masks a significant conflict between autonomy and protection in regards to sexual freedom in AL.

Suggested Citation

  • Christina Barmon & Elisabeth O. Burgess & Alexis A. Bender & James R. MoorheadJr., 2017. "Understanding Sexual Freedom and Autonomy in Assisted Living: Discourse of Residents’ Rights Among Staff and Administrators," The Journals of Gerontology: Series B, The Gerontological Society of America, vol. 72(3), pages 457-467.
    • Handle: RePEc:oup:geronb:v:72:y:2017:i:3:p:457-467.
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    File URL: http://hdl.handle.net/10.1093/geronb/gbw068
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Jayne Elias & Assumpta Ryan, 2011. "A review and commentary on the factors that influence expressions of sexuality by older people in care homes," Journal of Clinical Nursing, John Wiley & Sons, vol. 20(11‐12), pages 1668-1676, June.
    2. Paula C. Carder & Mauro Hernandez, 2004. "Consumer Discourse in Assisted Living," The Journals of Gerontology: Series B, The Gerontological Society of America, vol. 59(2), pages 58-67.
    3. Amelia Karraker & John DeLamater & Christine R. Schwartz, 2011. "Sexual Frequency Decline From Midlife to Later Life," The Journals of Gerontology: Series B, The Gerontological Society of America, vol. 66(4), pages 502-512.
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