Aged Care Events: Let’s Talk About Sex and Seniors

Aged Care Provider RSL Care will host a Sex in the Seniors workshop next week at the Brisbane Exhibition and Convention Centre.

The two hour free workshop will be facilitated by journalist and former Big Brother host Gretel Kileen about the need for open discussion about sex in aged care. “This is an area that a lot of people shy away from” said RSL Care Executive Manager Luke Grieves.

“In my experience in the industry, it is handled well by some (aged care providers) and poorly handled by others.”

Mr Grieves said that there was a degree of shying away from open discussion about people in aged care having sexual needs.

“One of the biggest things is the embarrassment… If an elder is trying to express emotion and because that creates an embarrassment in oneself, and if the staff want to intervene…They (the elders) should be able to make these decisions”.

Mr Grieves said that providers who positively handled their client’s sexuality gave client’s the space and freedom to express their choices. He also mentioned that having well-trained staff was extremely important.

“Because you are ageing does not mean that your human wants and needs cease. Conversely, it is at this time of your life when you may feel most alone and vulnerable, (and) that feeling confident, safe and secure in yourself and your surroundings is most important” he said.

RSL Media Co-ordinator Anna Townend said they chose to approach Gretel Kileen for her profile in the community and her interest in diverse groups.

“From the conversations I’ve had with her she’s very interested and very supportive, she was immediately interested” said Ms Townend.

“She (Kileen) has an interest in diverse groups, including gay and lesbian groups and we thought she would be a good facilitator” she said.

The workshop will run next Tuesday and registration is still open.