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.
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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
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