Intimacy

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Chapter 19: Intimacy

Overview:

• The foundations of person-centered care are discussed
• Suggestions for establishing good relations with dementia patients are provided
• Issues surrounding sexual intimacy and dementia patients are addressed

Description:

This chapter encourages nurses to focus upon the person with dementia rather than upon the person with dementia, opening up a whole new range of possibilities for care and understanding. A ‘person-centred’ approach to care is discussed and nurses are encouraged to recognise moments of intimacy which can enliven the days of people with dementia, and also their own.

Topics:

• The foundations of person-centred care
• The vulnerability of carers
• A kaleidoscope of experience
• Moments of silence
• Touch
• Sexual intimacy

Speaker / Author:

Malcolm Goldsmith
Malcolm was, until his retirement through ill-health, the rector of St Cuthbert’s Episcopal Church in Colinton, Edinburgh (Scotland). During the past ten years or so Malcolm has developed a particular interest in dementia. This has involved his spending two years as a research fellow within the Dementia Services Development Centre at the University of Stirling (Scotland), writing Hearing the Voice of People with Dementia, and preparing various training aids on the subject. Malcolm has also contributed to various books and journals on matters relating to dementia and communication, ethics, and spirituality.

In his day-to-day work as a parish priest, Malcolm ministered to people with dementia and their families in their homes and in specialised settings. He is engaged in further writing on the subject in retirement.

Professional Reviews: