Intimacy and Sexual Expression

Encourage open and comfortable conversations about intimacy and relationships by:

• Using the Intimacy and Sexual Expression Preference (ISEP) Tool to explore older people’s preferences
• Approaching discussions with sensitivity, ensuring privacy and dignity
• Involving a social worker or counsellor for additional support, if needed.

Respect residents’ privacy and choices to support dignity and autonomy by:

• Knocking, waiting, and asking permission before entering their room
• Recognising that intimacy and sexual expression are important for wellbeing and identity at all stages of life
• Asking: ‘Has your condition or lifestyle changed your relationships or ability to be physically close with your partner or others’?

Be mindful of past trauma by:

• Approaching conversations gently and with sensitivity
• Letting people share at their own pace and respecting boundaries
• Offering reassurance and emotional support and referring to a social worker or counsellor if needed.

What I can learn

Improve your ability to support intimacy needs by:

• Using the Mosaic app (iPhone) for practical tips on inclusive care for LGBTI+ older people
• Reading the Supporting sexuality and intimacy for LGBTI people with dementia factsheet from Dementia Support Australia
• Watching The Elephant in the Room: Sexual Expression of People with Dementia by Dr Cindy Jones to gain deeper insights.

You can also enrol in one of these online learning modules (all free but registration required):

• Caring for LGBTI people with dementia by Dementia Training Australia
• Sexuality and Intimacy module from La Trobe University
• Creating a safe environment for LGBTI people from Altura Learning.

What I can give

If an older person, their family or carer wishes to learn more about intimacy and sexual expression, these resources may help:

• Sexuality and people in residential aged care facilities: A guide for partners and families from La Trobe University
• Mosaic app (iPhone) developed by the University of Technology Sydney (UTS) and Uniting
• Dementia and challenging sexual behaviour from the Alzheimer’s Society (UK).

What I can suggest

Strengthen policies and training to support inclusive care by suggesting the team:

• Use the Sexuality Assessment Tool (SexAT) by La Trobe University to evaluate how well the residential facility supports residents’ sexual expression
• Have clear policies and guidelines to help staff assess and respond to intimacy and sexual expression needs
• Provide staff training opportunities for building confidence in supporting older people’s intimacy and sexual expression.

Foster an inclusive and supportive environment by:

• Implementing Rainbow Tick standards to create a LGBTIQ-inclusive environment
• Using the Sexualities and dementia education resource in staff education sessions
• Ensuring private and co-habitable spaces are available in residential aged care to respect residents’ rights to intimacy.