Centre for Policy on Ageing



A kiss is still a kiss? — the construction of sexuality in dementia care
Author(s)	Richard Ward, Antony Andreas Vass, Neeru Aggarwal
Journal title	Dementia: the international journal of social research and practice, vol 4, no 1, February 2005
Pages	pp 49-72
Source	http://www.dem.sagepub.com
Keywords	Dementia ; Personal relationships ; Sexual activity ; Sexual orientation ; Care homes.
Annotation	Descriptions of the sexuality and sexual expression of people with dementia living in care homes are explored, using data from the study "Alzheimer's type dementia: communication patterns and their consequences for effective care" (CPCEC), carried out in partnership with Jewish 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 that maintain invisibility of the homosexual population in care are also discussed. It is concluded that more consultation with residents is needed regarding sexuality, and for the range of sexualities in care to be explored. (RH).
Accession Number	CPA-050210215 A
Classmark	EA: DS: BIU: ES6: KW
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...from the Ageinfo database published by Centre for Policy on Ageing.