Sexualities and Dementia – Harbison

Sexual expression is a part of life no matter what age we are and therefore older people living with dementia also need to be considered. In an aged care context, this can be a confronting and challenging issue for service providers and health professionals. Responses can be reactive rather than proactive, with many staff not knowing what to do. There are beliefs that older people are asexual, and that sexual needs and behaviour is only for those who are “cognitively intact”. There can also be a lack of regard for non-heterosexual people living with dementia. There is no singular orthodox approach in responding to sexual behaviour in people living with dementia. However, we should empower them in their own decision-making process as much as possible. This workshop aims to increase awareness and understanding of sexuality among people living with dementia.