What I can do
Encourage open and comfortable conversations about intimacy and relationships by:
Respect residents' privacy and choices to support dignity and autonomy by:
- Knocking, waiting, and asking permission before entering their room
- Recognising that intimacy and sexual expression are important for wellbeing and identity at all stages of life
- Asking: ‘Has your condition or lifestyle changed your relationships or ability to be physically close with your partner or others’?
Be mindful of past trauma by:
- Approaching conversations gently and with sensitivity
- Letting people share at their own pace and respecting boundaries
- Offering reassurance and emotional support and referring to a social worker or counsellor if needed.
What I can learn
Improve your ability to support intimacy needs by:
You can also enrol in one of these online learning modules (all free but registration required):
What I can give
If an older person, their family or carer wishes to learn more about intimacy and sexual expression, these resources may help:
What I can suggest to my organisation
Strengthen policies and training to support inclusive care by suggesting the team:
- Use the Sexuality Assessment Tool (SexAT) (2.37MB pdf) by La Trobe University to evaluate how well the residential facility supports residents’ sexual expression
- Have clear policies and guidelines to help staff assess and respond to intimacy and sexual expression needs
- Provide staff training opportunities for building confidence in supporting older people’s intimacy and sexual expression.
Foster an inclusive and supportive environment by:
Page updated 21 February 2025