Why Sexuality, Sensuality and Dementia Training is important in Adult Social Care

When working in adult social care, it’s essential to provide care that supports every part of a person’s well-being, and that includes understanding their need for intimacy and connection. For individuals living with dementia, this can be complicated, but it’s a crucial part of delivering person-centred care. That’s why Sexuality, Sensuality, and Dementia training is such an important part of staff development.

As people grow older, their need for affection, intimacy, and even sexual expression doesn’t disappear. However, dementia can change how these needs are demonstrated, and care workers may feel unsure about how to respond. Sometimes, individuals with dementia might express affection or sexual desires in ways that seem inappropriate or unexpected, and without training, staff might not know how to handle it. Ignoring or suppressing these needs can leave individuals feeling lonely or misunderstood.

One of the biggest challenges staff face is balancing the right of the person living with dementia to express their sexuality, while also ensuring the comfort and safety of others in the care setting. For instance, some behaviours may cause discomfort or embarrassment to other residents, and knowing when and how to step in is important. Another tricky issue is understanding consent, especially when a person’s cognitive abilities are affected.

Sexuality, Sensuality, and Dementia training helps staff feel more comfortable and confident in dealing with these situations. Attendees will learn how to approach intimate behaviours with understanding and empathy, ensuring that the person with dementia is treated with dignity and respect. By learning how to support someone’s need for intimacy, staff can create a more caring and respectful environment that helps individuals with dementia feel valued and understood.