Intimacy: Nursing home resident issues and staff training

Abstract

Expressions of intimacy involving nursing home residents with dementia are often ignored or handled with limitedfinesse. This article describes issues affecting residents, families and staff. A pre-admission intimacy profile and LifeStory outline is included. Reaction to self directed intimacy and considerations when responding to a confused resident 's involvement with a cognitively alert resident are described. Recommended guidelines for addressing intimate situations between residents with dementia are outlined. Understanding the effects on families and stafffocuses the challenge ofoffering support and education. Creative staff training modules are included with practical caregiving suggestions.

No Visitors Allowed! The Impact of COVID-19 Restrictions on the Psychosocial Well-Being of Nursing Home Residents

“…Although all nursing home residents were affected by the implementation of these new guidelines, nursing home residents with spouses/partners faced additional challenges in the form of a threat to these essential attachment relationships. Gerontological research about spousal relationships in the nursing home has primarily focused on staff attitudes about intimacy and sexuality amongst residents, with a significant amount of literature focusing on ethical aspects of intimacy for residents with dementia (Helen, 1995;Simpson et al, 2018;Walker & Ephross, 2008;Roelofs et al, 2015). Additionally, studies in this area also highlight the importance of intimacy for nursing home residents.…”