My dad’s nursing home won’t let him have a private room or let his girlfriend in his room because he has a roommate. Any suggestions for changing this policy?
Responses
Leave a Response
You must be logged in to post a comment.
My dad’s nursing home won’t let him have a private room or let his girlfriend in his room because he has a roommate. Any suggestions for changing this policy?
You must be logged in to post a comment.
© 2009 - 2024 Michael Castleman
Here’s my suggestion: Go to management and insist that they accommodate residents’ wishes for consensual erotic interactions.
In recent years in the world of nursing home management, sexual expression on the part of residents has become an important issue. The clear trend is to not just allow sex, but to encourage consensual intimate relationships. They make residents happier. They contribute to both physical and mental health, everything from improving appetite and sleep quality to reducing anxiety. And nursing homes are a business. Residents are customers and customers—and the family members who pay their bills—have every right to demand compassionate service.
So what if your father shares a room. Is every single room in the facility occupied at all times? Isn’t there a free room where he and his lady friend might obtain some privacy? And what about the roommate’s activities? When the roommate is occupied, for example, watching a movie, can’t your father and his gal pal use the room?
Review the facility’s contract. Nursing homes increasingly have explicitly stated policies on residents’ rights to sexual expression. If his doesn’t have one, ask why the place is so behind the times. Be the squeaky wheel. If possible, contact the family of your dad’s girlfriend. Perhaps the two families can get together and make a joint demand for sexual accommodation. If necessary, contact a lawyer and the local newspaper. Adults have the right to consensual sex, even if they’re in nursing homes. Demand this right for your dad. If the facility denies it, consider moving him elsewhere. The threat of lost income should get their attention.