New guidelines help long-term care communities support residents' intimacy and dignity

MedicalXpress | ماي 04, 2026

Intimacy doesn't disappear in long-term care, but clear guidance on how to support it often does. A new paper outlines a practical framework for how organizations can move from uncertainty and inconsistency to a structured, ethical approach that respects residents' autonomy while protecting their safety. At the heart of the model is the creation of a dedicated sexual health committee, a multidisciplinary team charged with developing policies, guiding staff, and helping communities navigate one of the most sensitive—and often avoided—aspects of care.