A kiss is still a kiss?

Abstract

This article explores descriptions of the sexuality and sexual expression of people with dementia residing in care. It is argued that accounts offered by care workers are mediated by their own perspectives and interests. Data from the study, alongside a review of existing research findings, suggest that gender has a crucial influence upon the interpretation and response to sexual expression in care settings. Interviews with care staff revealed that such expression is often deemed problematic. Factors maintaining the invisibility of the homosexual population in care are also discussed. It is concluded that there exists a need for greater consultation with residents regarding sexuality and for an exploration of the range of sexualities in care.

Selfhood in younger onset dementia: Transitions and testimonies

“…Social isolation as a consequence of living with the impact of a long-term condition is not a new phenomenon, and it has previously been reported as one of the most stressful events in family caregiving, both in the generic literature (Twigg & Atkin, 1994) There is limited study of sexual attractiveness in dementia, and fewer studies still that explore sexual intimacy involving both the people with dementia and their partners. What have most often been studied are problematic sexual behaviors of people with dementia or sexuality issues that arise in residential care (Black, Muralee & Tampi, 2005;Buhr & White, 2007;Harris & Weir, 1998;Kuhn, 2002;Shaw, 2001;Ward, Vass, Aggarawl, Garfield, & Cybyk, 2005). However, an early study by Litz, Zeiss and Davies (1990) drew attention to this aspect of human life and stated that 'many spouses of Alzheimer's patients are reluctant to report sexual difficulties and are even more reluctant to seek help' (p. 115).…”

Organisational enablers and barriers to the recognition of sexuality in aged care: A systematic review

“…F77: Organisations should display LGBTI newsletters, pictures and affirming statements (Hillman & Hinrichsen, 2014) [C] F78: Posters and images that convey diverse sexual relations create an environment that promotes sexuality (Heath, 2011(Heath, , 2012 [US] F79: Visible residents' rights policy informs residents of their right to express their sexuality (Bentrott, 2012) [US] F80 : Use promotional material to welcome LGBTI people and facilitate discussions about sexual needs (Simpson, Horne, Brown, Dickinson, & Wilson, 2016) Bauer, & Nay, 2007) [C] F62: Certain types of seating facilitate touch and physical contact between older people living in residential aged care (Ward, Vass, Aggarwal, Garfield, & B Cybyk, 2005) [C] F63: Double beds provide comfortable space for sexual expression between couples (Chandler et al, 2004) [US] F64: Availability of bedrooms for sexual activity influences opportunity to engage in safe physical contact (Bentrott, 2012) [US] F65:Shared rooms for couples supports expression of sexuality (Chandler et al, 2004) [US] F66: Resources for couples to room together supports sexuality (Bentrott, 2012) [US] F67: Accommodation in an aged care facility for conjugal visits (e.g. private room, double bed) promotes the expression of sexuality (Heath, 2011(Heath, , 2012 [US] F68: Safe physical space promotes opportunity to maintain intimate relationships for LBGTI people (Crameri, Barrett, Latham, & Whyte, 2015) [C] F69: Amenities need to promote opportunity for sexual intimacy (Simpson et al, 2016) [C]…”

Sexuality & dementia: An eLearning resource to improve knowledge and attitudes of aged-care staff

“…A possible explanation may be that the majority of health care professionals are reportedly untrained for either a discussion or assessment of sexual health (Ward, Vass, Aggarwal, Garfield, & Cybyk, 2005).…”

“…Differentiating between what care staff view as normal and abnormal sexual activity as well as consensual and non-consensual sexual relationships may be difficult for staff to interpret, leading them to be overly cautious or restrictive when people with dementia are involved (Mahieu, Anckaert, A c c e p t e d M a n u s c r i p t population persists (Stein, Beckerman, & Sherman, 2010). Moreover, overtly sexual activity is often deemed to be disruptive and problematic (Ward, Vass, Aggarwal, Garfield, & Cybyk, 2005) and rarely seen as beneficial or something to be encouraged (Archibald, 2003) by care staff.…”