Page 34 - Prescription for Life YOD v3

Sexuality and intimacy

The need for closeness is an intrinsic part of being
human. Intimacy is the giving and receiving of love and
affection. It involves caring touch, empathetic
understanding, comfort and safety within
relationships.

Sexuality is the feeling of sexual desire, which is
expressed through sexual activity. Like intimacy,
sexuality is a natural expression of human need.
However, for many people sexuality is bound up with
many of the broader expressions of intimacy such as
physical closeness, kissing and hugging. The following
link gives further information on the topic of sexuality
and dementia:

https://fightdementia.org.au/support-and-services/families-and-
friends/personal-care/intimacy-and-sexual-issues

For a couple where one member is living with Younger
Onset Dementia, there may be differences in the way
one or both partners feel about intimacy and
sexuality. People living with dementia continue to
need loving safe relationships and caring touch,

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