Sexual Expression in Continuing Care

What is this site all about? 

Sexual expression in continuing care is an often overlooked and sometimes taboo topic. This website offers a repository of current studies, digital stories, resources, and educational opportunities related to sexual expression in continuing care.

 

Where did this research come from? 

Dr. Julia Brassolotto is an Associate Professor of Public Health and Associate Dean in the Faculty of Health Sciences at the University of Lethbridge. This website is informed by her research in the field, conducting multiple qualitative studies and producing stakeholder reports, publications, and presentations. Many of these outputs came out of a multiphase research project funded by Dr. Brassolotto’s Alberta Innovates Research Chair, and in collaboration with Dr. Alessandro Manduca-Barone and Dr. Lisa Howard.

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​Phase I involved interviews with continuing care managers and those with whom they consult (e.g., clinical ethicists, social workers, geriatric assessment teams, and others). We explored how managers navigate matters of resident sexual expression in the absence of related provincial policies. In Phase II, we interviewed residents and family members. We investigated how sexual expression is defined, its place in continuing care, their experiences with/thoughts about sexual expression in care homes, and suggestions for how to improve this aspect of resident life. 

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What's next? 

Dr. Brassolotto is currently involved in a CIHR-funded project looking at the sexual expression of persons living with dementia in LTC settings. This work is conducted in collaboration with Dr. Pia Kontos, Dr. Alisa Grigorovich, Dr. Alessandro Manduca-Barone, and Romeo Colobong. Following a review of existing resources about the sexual expression of persons living with dementia, the team has created a resource to support substitute decision-makers with navigating related issues. 

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