What are the issues around sexual activity in nursing homes for individuals with dementia?

1 answer | Last updated: Jul 20, 2011
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An anonymous caregiver asked...
What are the issues of sexual activity or lack of for men and women in nursing homes with dementia. Is this a topic discussed or avoided with patients that have Dementia living in nursing homes or assisted living facilities. Thank you
 

Caring.com User - Deborah Cooke
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Deborah Cooke is a gerontologist specializing in dementia, delirium, caregiving, and senior fitness. She is a certified dementia care provider and specialist through the...
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Deborah Cooke said...

Hi. I answered a similar question a while ago. You can reference that.

http://www.caring.com/questions/inapropreate-sexual-behavior

In short, alternative living environments should have a policy for sexual See also:
Two months after my father-in-law's passing, my mother-in-law with dementia no longer recognizes my wife. What could have triggered this?
activity. Not all do as many are just recognizing that these issues are significant.

The tough part of handling it with dementia individuals is that they often do not have control over these thoughts and even remember if something does or does not occur. I think this type of discussion is on a case-by-case basis. Many may not understand the point of the conversation or be able to process it appropriately to make a difference.

Consult the policy and if there isn't one, encourage them to establish it.

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