Dementia Care and Sexuality in Residential Facilities

1 CEU: ARF, RCFE

This 1-hour course addresses the questions that all those caring for people with dementia need to reflect on in developing strategies that result in individualized responses to the different sexual needs of individuals. The reality is that issues relating to sexuality are confronting and it is probably true to say that even in everyday life, they are not handled very well. For family care givers, community care providers, residential care environments and for people living with dementia, the subject of sexuality can be a difficult one when obtaining guidance to ensure rights, self-esteem and duty of care are not compromised. Care providers should not look for easy solutions in this course; there is no one size fits all.
 Sexuality is an essential aspect of our humanity that deserves recognition and respect throughout our lives, regardless of age, ability, or cognitive status. Expressing our sexuality in meaningful ways is crucial for our physical and emotional well-being, and it is essential to support and understand individuals’ sexual needs, including those living in care facilities with dementia.

Course Objectives:

This course discusses:

1. Sexuality & its importance.
2. The Complicated Relationship Between Dementia and Sexuality
3. Providing Care
4. What behaviors are present, in consumers with dementia, that can be perceived as sexual in nature?
5. The human rights and responsibilities of people with dementia: Consent, Privacy?
6. Understanding family relationships in dementia clients.
7. Approaches to risk management and developing policies on sexual behavior.
   

Click on ” Navigating the Course” to start