A Belgian health insurance fund decides to reimburse sexual services for people in need of support

A Belgian health insurance fund decides to reimburse sexual services for people in need of support

Belgian health insurance funds now intervene to support the access to sexual services with up to 40 EUR for the reimbursement of a consultation with the specialized non-profit organisation Aditi.

That consultation, which costs a total of 90 euros, is a conversation with a psychologist or sexologist about the problems people experience to be sexually active, and which practical solutions could be explored. One of those possible solutions is a home visit from a sexual service provider. The service itself is not reimbursed.

Aditi – that has now been active for more than 10 years – receives more than 500 requests for help every year. Three-quarters of this comes from people with a disability, 15% from older adults. Nevertheless, the need in the elderly is greater than the percentage suggests. 

“We underestimate the extent to which older people need physical contact; especially in nursing homes, sexuality is often still a big taboo at a later age.”

Steven De Weirdt, Aditi

Not everyone can get help from Aditi. Only people aged over 65 with additional care needs are eligible.

“Because of old age or illness, they are no longer able to live their sexuality independently. For example, a resident of a residential care center that is no longer mobile is eligible. A seventy-year old man who is so fit that he can travel alone three times a year will be refered to the regular circuit.”

 

Read the original article (in Flemish)

Visit Aditi v.z.w. website

 

Read also:

Sexuality in later life and the impact of ageism 

Ageism and sexuality

 

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