Sexuality and the Demented Patient

Abstract

The older adult has not generally been presented by the media as sexually driven or as sexually active, except as a joke. Sexual activity, when displayed by older adults on television or movies, is often limited to hugs or kisses, a relatively dilute depiction when compared to some of the passionate, fleshrevealing glimpses seen in movies portraying younger populations in sexual encounters. When references are made to older adult sexual activity in television or movies, they are typically accompanied by a wink or guffaw. With this restrictive attitude toward older adults' sexuality, one must question whether sexual feelings or activities are likely to be topics that are seriously considered or even mentioned by the caretakers of the geriatric population, particularly caretakers of demented patients. The management of sexuality in this population, including consensual sexual activity as well as forced sexual encounters, are topics which merit attention and should be addressed by the facility and for individual patients in their care plans, in accordance with OBRA regulations.