Exploratory study of Australian aged care staff knowledge and attitudes of later life sexuality

OBJECTIVE: To explore aged care staff knowledge and attitudes towards later life sexuality and attitudes about intimacy in people with dementia. METHODS: Fifty-two care staff working in two aged care facilities with secure dementia care units were recruited. Knowledge and attitudes on later life sexuality and attitudes towards later life sexuality in people with dementia were surveyed using the Aging Sexual Knowledge and Attitudes Scale and the selected eight items of the Staff Attitudes about Intimacy and Dementia, respectively. RESULTS: The results indicated that aged care staff knowledge of later life sexuality is inadequate, but attitudes towards later life sexuality and about intimacy and dementia were relatively permissive. CONCLUSION: Improving aged care staff knowledge of later life sexuality is needed. Continuing education and training should provide to support the expression of later life sexuality including those with dementia.