Aged Care Sexuality

What is this article about?

On admission to residential aged care, new residents undergo a lengthy period of needs assessments. Examples include nutrition and hydration requirements, toileting and continence care, mobility and dexterity, and so on. One need, however, that is rarely assessed, is sexuality, i.e. how the resident expresses themselves sexually; be it by their physical acts (cuddling, kissing, intercourse), their grooming and dress style, or their gender identity and sexual orientation. Whilst some residents' physical capabilities for sexual expression may face limitation due to frailty or medical co-morbidities, desire to express one's sexuality in other ways is still very much present, and this also includes those with dementia.