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

Abstract

Objective: To explore aged care staff knowledge andattitudes towards later life sexuality and attitudes aboutintimacy in people with dementia.Methods: Fifty-two care staff working in two aged carefacilities with secure dementia care units were recruited.Knowledge and attitudes on later life sexuality andattitudes towards later life sexuality in people withdementia were surveyed using the Aging SexualKnowledge and Attitudes Scale and the selected eightitems of the Staff Attitudes about Intimacy andDementia, respectively.Results: The results indicated that aged care staffknowledge of later life sexuality is inadequate, butattitudes towards later life sexuality and about intimacyand dementia were relatively permissive.Conclusion: Improving aged care staff knowledge of laterlife sexuality is needed. Continuing education and trainingshould provide to support the expression of later lifesexuality including those with dementia.