Sex, gender, sexuality, and privacy in care

People in care continue to have sexual lives, gender identities, privacy needs, and relationships. Age, disability, or dementia should not be used to dismiss these aspects or to excuse disrespectful language about intimate life.

Important principles in practice

• Do not assume heterosexuality: same-sex relationships, previous partners, and chosen family may matter deeply.
• Use the person's chosen form of address where possible: avoid causing unnecessary embarrassment in public situations.
• Protect privacy: give extra care during personal tasks such as continence care, bathing, dressing, and when discussing relationships.
• Keep questions relevant: only ask about personal or bodily matters when there is a clear care reason.
• Challenge mocking or intrusive behaviour: address it whether it comes from staff, residents, or visitors.

Inclusion applies to staff as well as residents. Staff can face exclusion because of pregnancy, menopause, gender transition, sexuality, or assumptions about who should do particular tasks.

Sex, gender, sexuality, and privacy must be handled with discretion, respect and relevance. Residential care should not make people less visible, less safe, or less themselves.