Your right to intimacy

Older people have the same right to intimacy as anyone else. That includes older people who live with dementia or other cognitive impairments. The diverse ways in which older people express their sexuality and gender should be respected by family, carers and aged care workers without judgement.

The discussion unpacks the complexities and benefits of continuing intimate relationships as we age and how to navigate these needs safely.

Panellists include:

• Dr. Catherine Barrett, Founder/Director, Celebrate Ageing
• Gwenda Darling, Member, National Older Persons Reference Group, OPAN
• Shawnee van Poeteren, Senior Project Officer – Advocacy Practice, OPAN
• Rachael Brennan, PhD Student, The University of Queensland

Hosted by Craig Gear, CEO, OPAN

 

Webinar resources:

 

OPAN 

• Ready to Listen – resources and training to support responses to and prevent sexual assault in residential aged care, including the Charter of Sexual Rights and Responsibilities.
• For confidential information or support about your aged care services, call our Aged Care Advocacy Line – 1800 700 600

Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission 

• Charter of Aged Care Rights
• New aged care quality standards
• Code of conduct for Aged Care

Information about sex workers for older people

• Scarlet Alliance – Australian Sex Workers Association, national peak body
• Touching Base – connects sex workers and people with disabilities
  

Dementia support and resources 

• Dementia Australia
• Dementia Support Australia
  

Helplines/Support 

• Lifeline Australia Crisis Support and Suicide Prevention – 13 11 14
• National Elder Abuse phone line 1800 ELDERHelp | 1800 353 374
• Compass.info – guiding action and resources on elder abuse
• Domestic, family and sexual violence helpline – 1800RESPECT | 1800 737 732