Breaking the taboo of expressing and experiencing sexuality in nursing homes with virtual reality content
Abstract
The lack of privacy, the absence of relevant policies and guidelines for staff members, the sensitivity of the topic, prejudices and autostereotypes - those are some of the key factors preventing older adults in institutionalized care from having opportunities to express their sexuality safely. If older adults for whom sexuality is still an important aspect of life do not have the chance to experience and express their sexuality, the likelihood of problematic and unpleasant interactions between cli- ents and the staff increases.
Moreover, such situations can also negatively impact the sexual, men- tal, and even physical health of older social care clients. The team of Kaleido, a virtual reality-based tool for activation therapy and cognitive training, was inspired by care home clients and staff to cre- ate an innovative preventive VR-film content which could help diminish these growing threats and contribute to fulfilling another need of the clients in a healthy manner.
After conducting literature review, field research in care homes, and consultations with experts in the area of sexuality of older adults, the Kaleido team designed, created, and tested their first series of VR experiences for the safe stimulation of the psychological side of sexuality and intimacy. This article focuses on presenting the results of a qualitative study, testing the usability, effectiveness, and acceptability of the pilot VR content with 13 clients of two care homes in Czechia.
The study uncovered some pitfalls of this inno- vative, taboo-breaking project, while also showing very promising potential for a specific type of VR content and certain groups of social care clients.