Sexuality, intimacy and close relationships are an important part of being human. Yet in aged care, they remain topics many people find difficult to discuss.
Persistent assumptions about ageing can lead us to overlook the fact that older people continue to value affection, connection, touch, companionship and sexual expression throughout their lives. This remains true even when people experience declining health, move into residential care, or are living with dementia.
For many people, these experiences are closely connected to identity, wellbeing and quality of life. Supporting them is not simply about meeting individual preferences. It is about recognising a fundamental aspect of personhood and respecting each person's right to maintain meaningful relationships and express themselves in ways that matter to them.
Intimacy doesn't disappear with age
Anyone working in aged care knows that relationships and intimacy do not end when a person enters residential care.
Research shows that many older people remain sexually active or continue to have a strong desire for intimacy and connection later in life. Yet aged care services have historically been slow to acknowledge or respond to these needs. Many providers do not routinely assess sexual health and relationship needs, and few organisations have policies or guidance to support staff in this area.
This disconnect reflects broader societal attitudes towards ageing. Older people are often perceived through the lens of care needs, illness or frailty, rather than as individuals with ongoing emotional, relational and sexual lives.
The reality is that sexuality remains meaningful for many people as they age. Like all aspects of identity, it deserves recognition, respect and support.
Why intimacy matters
The benefits of intimacy and sex are well established.
Feeling connected to others can support emotional wellbeing, reduce loneliness and strengthen a person's sense of self-worth. Sex has a role to play in physical health and has even been shown to improve cognitive function.
For people living with dementia, these connections can be particularly important. A diagnosis of dementia does not automatically remove a person's ability to seek intimacy, build relationships or make decisions about their personal lives. Close relationships can continue to offer comfort, reassurance and opportunities for self-expression.
As a sector, we need to move beyond the assumption that dementia or ageing diminishes a person's need for connection and recognise that these human needs remain throughout life.
Navigating complexity with confidence
Supporting sexuality and intimacy in aged care is not without challenges.
Providers must balance individual rights with important considerations around safety, consent, decision-making capacity and risk. Other factors like ageist assumptions, competing views from family members, cultural attitudes and societal taboos can play a part.
With fewer than 10% of residential aged care providers in Australia reported to have written policies addressing sexuality and sexual health, many staff are left navigating difficult situations without the confidence or education they need.
Giving staff the knowledge, skills and guidance to respond appropriately and consistently when these issues arise, will enable us to support this fundamental human right in our facilities.
A changing aged care landscape
The new Aged Care Act and Strengthened Quality Standards signals an important shift towards a more rights-based approach to care.
Under the Strengthened Standards, providers are expected to create environments where people can maintain relationships of their choosing, free from judgement, including intimate relationships, and engaging in sexual activity (Action 7.1.6).
To meet these expectations, our teams need the confidence to have respectful conversations and make informed decisions that support the rights and preferences of those in our care.
Building capability through education
Education plays a critical role in a shift from uncertainty to confidence.
When staff understand topics such as consent, capacity, sexual safety and relationship support, they are better equipped to respond in ways that protect dignity and wellbeing. They are also more confident engaging with families, navigating complex situations and balancing person-centred care with regulatory responsibilities.
To support organisations in this evolving area, Hammond Innovations has developed the Sexuality, Intimacy and Dementia Workshop Series for frontline staff and aged care leaders.
The workshops explore sexuality, relationships and intimacy in later life while providing practical guidance on issues such as dementia, consent, capacity, unwanted sexual behaviour and communication strategies. Participants gain practical tools that can be applied immediately to support residents' rights while maintaining safety and professionalism.
Supporting people to live meaningful lives
When we recognise sexuality, intimacy and relationships as part of whole-person care, we create opportunities for older people to maintain their identity, nurture meaningful connections and experience a greater sense of dignity and belonging.
Compliance and risk management will always remain important. But truly person-centred care asks us to look beyond these obligations and focus on what matters to the people we support.
Learn more about our Sexuality, Intimacy and Dementia Workshops and discover how your organisation can build the confidence, capability and leadership needed to support resident rights, relationships and quality of life.