Description
Objectives:
By the end of this session, participants will be able to:
1. Recognize the role of sexuality in the lives of people with dementia and identify common myths that may influence care.
2. Identify basic communication approaches that can support respectful discussions about sexual health needs.
3. Outline ways to describe sexual expressions in dementia without judgment and note general strategies for assessing potential risks.
4. Become familiar with evidence-based practices and resources that can be used to support sexual health needs in different care settings.
5. Acknowledge the importance of promoting dignity, safety, and well-being by balancing autonomy with appropriate safeguards.
Description:
Dementia affects communication and judgment, which can lead to complex situations, such as inappropriate sexual behaviours stemming from unmet needs, confusion, or changes in inhibition. Education about intimacy and sexual needs of dementia patients equips staff to distinguish between expression of a genuine need for connection or intimacy, and behaviour that may require a therapeutic intervention. This knowledge is essential for upholding the patient’s rights to dignity and autonomy, ensuring their safety and the safety of others, and fostering an environment of respect. Ultimately, understanding this sensitive topic enables healthcare workers to support the quality of life of patients by validating their continuing needs for affection and intimacy in a sensitive and ethical manner.
Who Should Attend?:
• Nurses and Physicians Who Work With Geriatric and Dementia Clients in all Settings;
• Home Health Care Staff, Geriatric Day Staff; RPN’s LPN’s PCA’s
• Geriatric Nurse Specialists, Geriatric NP’s Nurses in Transition Care, MH and Neurology Nurses
• Physician Assistants, Medical Social Workers, Physical Therapists, Occupational Therapists
• Long-term Care Educators, Administrators and Managers
Birgit Pianosi, Ph.D., CPG
Dr. Birgit Pianosi is a tenured Associate Professor in Gerontology at Laurentian University in Sudbury (Ontario, Canada) and an Adjunct Member with Graduate Studies at York University in Toronto (Ontario, Canada). She holds a Ph.D. in Psycho-Gerontology from Germany and has completed two M.A. programs (in Human Development and in Psycho-Gerontology). Birgit is the owner of the consulting firm “Lively-Aging”, advocating for older adults and developing educational resources for healthcare providers.
Dr. Pianosi is the co-chair of the Laurentian Research Institute for Aging (LRIA), board member of the Canadian Association for Gerontology (Education Division), member of Behavioural Supports Ontario’s (BSO’s) Knowledge Translation & Communications Advisory Board, principal co-chair of the Sexual Expression in Later Life Working Group with Behavioural Supports Ontario, and a member of the City of Greater Sudbury Seniors’ Advisory Board.
Birgit was born and raised in East Germany. She immigrated to Canada in 1996. Birgit values her family, is married and has two adult boys. She enjoys taking care of her horse Fanny. She loves travelling and spends much of her spare time with her family in Germany and Italy.
