Why choose this course?
- sex is portrayed in the media almost exclusively as a young person’s activity, this is far from the case
- this perception is often challenged by older people choosing both sexual and personal relationships
- barriers are erected at times by the workers employed to advocate and care for older people
- at the end of a life in which choices will have been made daily this basic choice may be denied to older people
- ignorance about the increase in HIV of people over 55 may result in knowledge of safer sexual practices being withheld from this age group
- awareness of continuing sexuality will enable workers to refrain from making inappropriate comments or treating older sexuality as a joke
- positive results ~ practitioners treat older people with respect and can offer appropriate support and assistance if it is needed to enable sexual or personal relationships
Length of course: 1 day 9.30 ~ 4.30
Expected outcomes: by the end of the course participants will be able to
- discuss and evaluate issues regarding capacity, consent and choice
- have knowledge of the legislation surrounding sexual relationships and capacity
- challenge their own and others’ stereotypical views regarding older people,
- sexual choice and sexual orientation
- be aware of sexual aids that can assist certain medical conditions
- assess their own sexual views and makes changes if necessary
- offer advice and guidance around safer sexual practices
- ensure that their practice is not discriminatory or psychologically abusive
- look forward to positive ageing and sexual relationships
Nature of training: maximum of 16 staff members in participative group work.
Exercises will range from lecture style input (small) to discussion and small group work to individual practicing of the communication techniques within pairs.
Hand outs will be provided to reinforce all theoretical input.
As Naomi Feil said, “It is usually the opportunity, not the desire, for sex that decreases in older age!”
