Sexuality and Intimacy (for Professional Care Partners) 

Since dementia results in a wide variety of brain changes, the ability to be intimate with others and expressions of sexuality are typically impacted and affected at multiple points throughout progression. Unfortunately, many changes in behavior are viewed by some as “inappropriate sexual advances” or “misbehavior”. Sorting through the basic changes that relate to social behaviors, dis-inhibition, sensory processing and alterations, as well as cognitive abilities will foster a more helpful and healthy approach to coping with multiple issues that occur when someone is living with dementia.

Objectives:

1. Review some common concerns and scenarios that happen related to sexuality and intimacy and dementia.
2. Compare possible alternative explanations for behaviors compared to labelling them as “sexually inappropriate” or “sexually aggressive”
   
3. Discuss various approaches and strategies to foster healthy and helpful expressions of affection, relationships, and sensory preferences and needs

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Continuing Education credit for this program is awarded by Commonwealth Educational Seminars (CES) for the following professions:

Social Workers: CES, provider #1117, is approved as a Provider for Social Work Continuing Education by the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) www.aswb.org, through the Approved Continuing Education (ACE) program. CES maintains responsibility for the program. ASWB Approval Period: 10/5/15 through 10/5/18. Social Workers should contact their regulatory board to determine course approval. Social Workers participating in this course will receive 1.0 clinical continuing education clock hour.

Nurses:  As an American Psychological Association approved provider CES programs are accepted by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC). Every state Board of Nursing accepts ANCC approved programs except California and Iowa, however CES is also an approved Continuing Education provider by the California Board of Registered Nursing, (Provider Number CEP15567) which is also accepted by the Iowa Board of Nursing. Nurses completing this program receive 1.0 CE hour of credit.