Intimacy and people living with dementia

Recently, the study of gerontology and issues around aging in society have gained attention as Canada’s aging population becomes a more pressing concern. Unfortunately, dialogue about seniors, sex and sexuality is often avoided.

This subject can be particularly difficult for healthcare providers to navigate due to the negative stigma surrounding sexuality and dementia and lack of access to information and resources. Right now, no e-learning programs exist for healthcare providers on this subject, so Dr. Birgit Pianosi and her team have set out to design, develop, and evaluate an online educational program through a series of modules.

This innovative new program is intended to deepen understanding, change attitudes, and hone skills to help healthcare providers support the sexual needs of people living with dementia. Through surveys and focus groups, the team will evaluate the extent to which healthcare providers’ knowledge, empathy, and confidence improve after completing the online program. Dr. Pianosi and her team are confident that the program will help challenge stigmas around older adults and sexuality. Equally important, the initiative is expected to empower healthcare providers to support people living with dementia by facilitating their engagement in healthy sexual relationships.