Sexuality and Caregiving
One of the most difficult parts of caregiving is recognizing that various aspects of human nature don't simply disappear because someone is aging, becomes disabled or has to depend on you - the caregiver - for virtually everything in their lives.
Women sometimes have to deal with the sexual expressions of fathers, husbands, sons - the persons for who they are providing care. And with each person, the relationship is very different. Fathers with dementia may express their sexuality thinking they are relating to a spouse or girlfriend instead of a daughter or caregiver.
Men bathing their mothers may have to cope with feelings of real uncomfortableness when touch generates an unexpected response. Caregivers may find themselves the subject of groping or fondling.
Learning how to deal with these situations is vital to your own health as a caregiver and to the overall wellness of the person for who you care. Each of us has different preconceptions and standards of behavior with which we live and the information in this section of the website is intended to provide practical ideas in how to deal with sexuality and caregiving.