Reaction from Alzheimer’s Society: CQC calls for a culture of openness to support people’s sexual needs and keep them safe from sexual harm
In response to the Care Quality Commission’s report on sexuality and sexual safety in care homes, Kathryn Smith, Chief Operating Officer at Alzheimer’s Society said:
“It is vital that people in care homes are given the opportunity to be able to talk openly about intimacy, sex and sexuality if they would like to.
“Consensual relationships can bring great joy, and many people with dementia are still in intimate relationships or marriages they may have had for decades. They have an equal right to those relationships like everyone else.
“Being able to speak about consensual relationships is part and parcel of safeguarding vulnerable people in care homes from potential abuse and is an important part of their welfare.
“Pretending it doesn’t exist could isolate people and make them feel less able to speak up if they do feel uncomfortable in a situation.
“Care home staff are best placed to tackle this challenge, and that’s why Alzheimer’s Society has created ‘Lift the Lid’ – a workshop in a box to help care home staff talk through sexuality in a sensitive and constructive way.”
