Tips To Manage Inappropriate Sexual Behavior in The Elderly In A Care Setting (IBS)

Hello, What would you do if someone acted sexually inappropriate in one of your sessions? 
This is a topic that not many people wish to discuss but it is a reality that AC's, carers, home managers have to deal with everyday and it is one of those things that until something happens it does not get addressed.

Most people's response to this subject is to laugh it off or ignore it but I want to discuss this and suggest some tips for you.
It is a big issue  for some people who were otherwise never like this before then become inappropriate sexually in their behaviour.

 Sexual incidents can be categorized as sexual talk, such as the use of foul language, describing previous sexual acts, or suggesting sexual encounters; sexual acts such as public masturbation, exposing genitalia, touching others' breasts, buttocks, thighs, or genitalia; and implied sexual acts such as requesting unnecessary genital care or openly reading pornography.

It raises a lot of questions and crossing of boundaries and also is a safeguarding issue. Some of these behaviours can be heightened  through medications people are on for their dementia or other conditions.

   Frontotemporal dementia is an uncommon type of dementia that mainly affects the front and sides of the brain (frontal and temporal lobes) and causes problems with behaviour and language. Dementia is a common cause of inappropriate or increased sexual behavior.







I remember doing a reminiscence session once and a gentleman who had recently been diagnosed with dementia had began to display ISB and the staff warned me.
 During the session, he made very lewd comments which I just ignored and continued. He was very apologetic and thats how that was managed at that stage.

All sorts of situations arise and what are you going to do . When this happens in care homes residents are asked to leave, with correct protocol and risk assessment in place it can be managed. it is an in depth subject but here are a few tips to help you.

Tips to Manage ISB

• Reviewing the patient's sexuality over his or her lifetime;

• Redirecting the individual during an episode; have clear guidelines in the care plan.

• Recommending a caregiver support group to assist with education and venting frustrations;

• Modifying clothing to prevent easy removal; and

• Trying a same-sex caregiver.

Monitor behaviour throughout the day to know whether they can come and be part of an activity group.

Open dialogue with relatives and those involved in the individuals care, to see  what avenues can be exhausted.

Involve GP to see if medication dosage is correct  and have medication reviewed.

Be aware of side effects of medication, especially dementia meds as these can be a catalyst for an  increase in ISB.

Review the situation continually until it is resolved as some episodes are for a just a short period of time.

See if using a reminiscence tool like a life story book can be used as a distraction , so the individual can shift their focus.

I hope this helps to make you aware and a bit more knowledgeable on this subject matter that we all encounter at some point in our AC role. 

I have created an online AC Academy that gives you support with all the challenges you face. www.actasticacademy.com.

Don't Be Alone!
Come connect with me on FB and be part of my online community of fellow AC's at  www.facebook.com/groups/lovejoycentregroup

Sign up  to go on my mailing list and get my FREE  ebook: "10 Top Tips for Engaging and Stimulating Activities With The Elderly" 

Please click below:
http://eepurl.com/Iw9p1

Until next time.

Keep shining brightly and by the way thank you for being you and doing such a brilliant job.

Love,

Ann Marie x 

 

How To Plan, Create & Activate Your 2018 Activity Schedule !

So here we are again at the start of a brand New Year. We all fall into the trap of wanting to make change happen, we set our intention and then we don't follow through or people sabotage our good intentions by either poking holes in them, dream stealing them or we give up before we start.

So here is my advice for you, this year I want you to make sure you factor you in the world of the AC bubble.
Make sure as you plan for the year that you have included enough time for you to plan, create and activate your activity sessions well.




Plan
Plan what you want to change, look objectively to see what you can do differently. See if there are other things you can now try with your residents that was on the back burner before, don't be so  dismissive at least try stuff.
Take into account all the traditional themes and customs that the generation of people you work with would of celebrated when they were younger. Remember when you are planning don't be blindsided by what you want but it's what your residents want.
I have created some useful tools for AC's I have a year wall planner  and diary available which lists all the main events of the year and international dates, the diary includes helpful tips and activity suggestions for you for each month, so that's a great tool for you to use. Email me at lovejoycentre@gmail.com for more information which I will send to you, there just a few left.
Think about what you want to achieve  for your residents as a group for example, you should want to increase their self esteem, promote their independence, etc. So when you plan don't just think it's about booking this and that look at the whole picture from a person centered viewpoint

Create AC's are naturally creative and very resourceful beings, it's a case of having to be at times. When you create your activity schedule include your residents, get their input, discuss ideas with them, include them in planning sessions . You would be so surprised at what they can contribute. By doing this as good practice exercise you will also be fulfilling a lot of what CQC look for when they inspect homes. So make sure you document these meeting and planning sessions.

It ticks so many boxes on so many levels for you and your residents. Once again try something, if it is not feasible  be creative and make it feasible. Here is a lovely story I heard of what one home's AC did for her resident. Joan was going to turn 100 years old and her birthday wish was she wanted to have a ride in a hot air balloon and travel over her beloved Cardiff.

So This AC created a basket similar to a hot air balloon one, that she put around Joan's wheel chair then she created a huge balloon from the wall and on  Joan's birthday she put her into the balloon creation and at the same time from a projector showed Cardiff  as if you were looking at it from a hot air balloon's view. There was not a dry eye in the house and Joan was delighted and felt fulfilled.

It is just thinking outside the box. Give it a try.

Now you have planned, created it is time to activate. Get your well planned ideas into fruition.

I know a lot of AC's have to raise funds for their residents so think of ways that you can do that different. Have you ever just asked the owners to give a budget? 

They should really. If not get ideas on internet for low budget activities and approach charities , dance schools, local secondary schools who can come in for free to provide entertainment for your residents. Ask companies to donate to you and your care home. I have at Lovejoy Centre on numerous occasions given away activity products to homes so at least their AC's have something.

Put your hard work together  and see your planned sessions flourish, always have a contingency plan incase something happens.

If you have a plan you will always succeed. 

I wish you a very pleasant New Year as we go full steam ahead into 2018 and am always here to support you.

I have created an online AC Academy that gives you support with all the challenges you face. www.actasticacademy.com.

Don't Be Alone!
Come connect with me on FB and be part of my online community of fellow AC's at  www.facebook.com/groups/lovejoycentregroup

Sign up  to go on my mailing list and get my FREE  ebook: "10 Top Tips for Engaging and Stimulating Activities With The Elderly" 

Please click below:
http://eepurl.com/Iw9p1

Until next time.

Keep shining brightly and by the way thank you for being you and doing such a brilliant job.

Love,

Ann Marie x