Registered Nurses’ experiences of caring for persons with dementia expressing their sexuality

Abstract

Abstract Background Sexuality is an integral part of human beings and persons living with dementia still perceive negative attitudes from caregivers in this regard. Aim This study aimed to explore registered nurses' experiences of caring for persons with dementia living in nursing homes and expressing their sexuality. Methods A qualitative inductive design was adopted; data were collected through semi‐structured interviews and analysed through content analysis. Results The analysis reflected three categories. (1) Dealing with different reactions and responding to nursing staff and relatives: The registered nurses experienced discomfort, insecurity, frustration, distress and embarrassment when confronted with sexual expressions in people with dementia. (2) Caring with a focus on the person: The registered nurses expressed the importance of protecting the integrity of the person and consequently their right to sexual expressions. (3) Needing more competence development: The registered nurses expressed the need to educate and inform not only themselves but also the nursing staff and relatives.

Keywords

• dementia
• elder care
• nursing homes
• registered nurses
• sexuality