Supporting sexual health and dignity in people living with dementia is an important but often overlooked aspect of care. Dementia can change how a person experiences and expresses their sexuality, but it doesn’t mean that intimacy or affection disappears. Instead, the ways in which people show love and closeness may evolve.
Sexual health includes more than just sex—it’s about feeling valued, respected, and connected to others. For someone with dementia, this might mean finding new ways to share physical touch or emotional closeness that feel comfortable for both partners. It’s essential to keep an open mind about what intimacy means as the condition progresses because what worked before might need adjusting.
Consent remains a key issue when supporting sexual expression in dementia care. People with dementia can still have the right to express their sexuality if they are able to give informed consent. This requires careful attention from caregivers and loved ones to ensure any intimate interactions are respectful and consensual.
Sometimes changes in behavior related to dementia can lead to challenges around sexual expression—such as increased impulsivity or inappropriate actions—which can be confusing or distressing for everyone involved. Handling these situations gently is crucial: redirecting attention respectfully without shaming helps maintain dignity while ensuring safety.
Care environments should also recognize the importance of supporting residents’ rights to intimacy while balancing privacy needs and safeguarding concerns. Open conversations between staff, residents, families, and healthcare professionals help create policies that respect personal freedoms without compromising wellbeing.
Ultimately, supporting sexual health in dementia is about honoring each person’s humanity—their desires for connection, comfort, affection—and adapting support so these needs continue being met even as circumstances change over time. It calls for empathy, patience, clear communication, and respect at every step of the journey through dementia care.
