The development of an educational resource manual on sexuality and dementia for nursing staff working in long term care facilities

Oates, Karla (2017) The development of an educational resource manual on sexuality and dementia for nursing staff working in long term care facilities. Practicum Report. Memorial University of Newfoundland. (Unpublished)

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Abstract

Background: Sexuality is a basic human need that begins at birth and continues throughout the lifespan. Every individual, regardless of age, has a need for love, intimacy and companionship; this does not change as people grow older and is no different for individuals living with dementia (Hajjar & Kamel, 2003). On a provincial level, little has been done in long term care [LTC] facilities to create environments conductive to or supportive of expression of sexuality for residents with dementia. Upon encounter of sexual expression, nursing staff are continuously reporting experiencing difficulties, distress, and confusion in relation to how they should respond (Ehrenfeld, Bronner, Tabak, Alpert, & Bergman, 1999). Purpose: The purpose of this practicum project was to develop an educational resource manual on sexuality and dementia for nursing staff working in LTC facilities. Methods: A comprehensive review of the literature was conducted. Consultations consisting of face to face semi structured interviews were conducted with key members of the healthcare team. Results: Findings supported that development of an educational resource manual would best meet the learning needs of nursing staff. A manual consisting of five self-paced modules was developed using Knowles’ Adult Learning Principles (1984) and Morrison, Ross and Kemp’s (2013) Instruction Design Model. Conclusion: Although intended for nursing staff this manual may also be used by other members of the healthcare team who work with or are interested in learning more about expression of sexuality in this population.

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