title: Caring for gay men and lesbians in nursing homes in Ireland.
abstract: This article examines the literature relating to the attitudes of nurses currently practicing in nursing homes towards caring for gay men and lesbians in Ireland. Nurses' knowledge of and attitudes towards the sexuality of those in their care can potentially have an impact on the quality of care they deliver and the patient experience. There is a consensus in the literature regarding the expression of sexuality as a lifelong need and integral element of quality of life. Research to date focusing on the needs of older gay or lesbian individuals has been virtually non-existent, despite increases in life expectancy and increasing numbers of older people, and therefore older gay and lesbian people requiring nursing home care.
authors.affiliation: Clinical and Operational Director, Nightingale Nursing Home, County Galway, Ireland.
authors.forename: Patricia
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: MacGabhann
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D005260:Female; D006299:Health Services for the Aged; D018452:Homosexuality, Female; D018451:Homosexuality, Male; D006801:Humans; D007494:Ireland; D008297:Male; D009735:Nursing Homes; D057184:Practice Patterns, Nurses'
keywords: Homosexuality; Nursing homes; Quality of life; Sexual behaviour; Sexuality