A kiss is still a kiss? The construction of sexuality in dementia care

Citation

Ward R, Vass AA, Aggarwal N, Garfield C & Cybyk B (2005) A kiss is still a kiss? The construction of sexuality in dementia care. Dementia, 4 (1), pp. 49-72. https://doi.org/10.1177/1471301205049190

Abstract
This article explores descriptions of the sexuality and sexual expression of people with dementia residing in care. It is argued that accounts offered by care workers are mediated by their own perspectives and interests. Data from the study, alongside a review of existing research findings, suggest that gender has a crucial influence upon the interpretation and response to sexual expression in care settings. Interviews with care staff revealed that such expression is often deemed problematic. Factors maintaining the invisibility of the homosexual population in care are also discussed. It is concluded that there exists a need for greater consultation with residents regarding sexuality and for an exploration of the range of sexualities in care.

Keywords
aging; care work; gender; homosexuality; residential care

Journal
Dementia: Volume 4, Issue 1

People

Dr Richard Ward

Senior Lecturer in Dementia, Dementia and Ageing