Dementia Relationships E-Resource

The onset of progressive cognitive decline does not indicate an end to sexual or intimacy needs. However, the changes brought about by dementia can lead to social, emotional and behavioural challenges including ethical, consensual and safeguarding issues. These issues need to be addressed if people with dementia and their partners are to be enabled to experience safe and emotionally fulfilled relationships.

This e-resource is designed to be used alongside local policy guidance. We have drawn on and the resource is informed by the Northern Ireland Operational Guidance ‘Relationships, Sexuality and Dementia’ which was developed in response to a recognised need by staff within dementia care to affirm the right of people living with dementia to practice and enjoy personal and sexual relationships. It is presently being updated. The importance of this subject to people living with dementia and those who care for them is highlighted in the range of training resources and fact sheets with regional, international and global guidance booklets developed by government bodies, charities and professional organisations. This resource is designed to promote reflection and understanding, and to provide information that guides your practice in recognising the importance of intimacy, sexuality and relationships to people living with dementia.