Huvudbild för Vitalis 2026

Workshop: Sexual Expression in Persons Living with Dementia [PCC001]

Torsdag 7 maj 2026 08:30 - 09:30 J1

Workshop leaders: Duncan McKellar, Erna Haraldsdottir, Karen Rennie

Spår: Workshops

Sexuality, intimacy, and sensuous expression remain important aspects of identity and personhood throughout the lifespan, including for older adults living with dementia in care homes. Yet, these expressions are often ignored, misunderstood, or suppressed within institutional care settings. This interactive workshop invites participants to engage with findings from a PhD study, the first of its kind to include the voices of people living with dementia in nursing homes, focusing on the meaning and importance of sexual expression in later life. Drawing on rich narratives and lived experiences, we will explore how sexual expression contributes to wellbeing, personhood, and dignity in care. Through facilitated discussion, reflective exercises and group work, participants will examine their own values, beliefs, and assumptions around sexuality and ageing. We will consider how our individual perspectives shape the ways we engage with residents’ needs, and how we can foster a more inclusive, person-centred approach to care that acknowledges the full humanity of those living with dementia. Key themes will include: The significance of sexual and sensuous expression in later life and dementia care The impact of institutional culture and staff attitudes on residents’ sexual autonomy Emotional and ethical dimensions of supporting sexual expression as a healthcare practitioner or caregiver. Practical strategies for integrating sexuality into holistic, person-centred care This session offers a respectful, open space to discuss a sensitive but vital aspect of dementia care. Participants will leave with a deeper understanding of how acknowledging and supporting sexual expression can enrich the lives of residents and strengthen the quality of person-centred healthcare practice.
Språk

English

Konferens

GCPCC

GCPCC Seminarietyp

Workshop

GCPCC Kod

PCC001

Föreläsare

Duncan McKellar Workshop leader

Erna Haraldsdottir Workshop leader

Erna has worked in palliative care since the late 1980s. She was instrumental in developing and setting up a palliative care service within the National Health Care system in Iceland between 1990 and 2000. Erna is professor in nursing, deputy head of nursing and director of the Centre for Person-centred Practice Research at Queen Margaret University.
Erna has extensive experience and knowledge in person-centred palliative care. She has been involved in person-centred practice development, education and research in various health and social care settings including hospices, care homes and within the national health care system in UK. She serves on several development groups in relation to person-centred practice and palliative care education and research and has published widely in palliative care research journals.
She has also taken part in developing and delivering national and international teaching and learning programmes in palliative care including Iceland, the UK, Serbia, Uganda and India.

Karen Rennie Workshop leader