By MCauch
SageHealth Network
I was delighted to receive a question from a social work intern. When approached by elderly clients asking for information on sexuality, she tried to divert the topic because she was embarrassed. She asks how she could have handled the situation.
Response: Thank you for your email. I'm glad you contacted me. Asking for help and becoming aware of older adult sexuality are positive steps in altering society's perspectives on aging.
I think the most important thing we can do when caught off guard in a surprise situation is to stay calm and be completing accepting of the question. Or, if you are speechless, quickly compose yourself and apologize by admitting you were caught off guard and you'd like to try and help. This will help your client feel that they are not being judged and help them feel comfortable. Your client is perhaps also nervous and embarrassed and may have come to you because you are a student rather than a professional and this makes them feel less intimidated.
Thank your client for trusting you with such sensitive information but it's important to remind your client that you are a student intern. Ask if they would prefer to be referred to the social worker who may have more expertise in the area. If they don't want to speak to a social worker or other health care professional, it may be up to you to get them the resources that could help them. Get some basic points from your client so you can direct them to the appropriate person/resource/department, for example, decide whether it is medical (ie resuming sexual activity after a heart attack or sex and disability; physical or biological changes (ie prescription medications to enhance sexual activity or biological changes); emotional (issues with intimacy with a partner or self esteem issues). I need to stress communication with your supervisor is key. Either by referring your client to your supervisor or having your supervisor coach how you deal with the situation--your supervisor is their to guide you.
Being a social worker means we are advocates for change, so... read up on elder sexuality,speak to other healthcare professionals on how THEY would have handled the situation, speak to other interns about your experience and make them aware of elder sexuality.
Because of this experience,you're now more sensitive to the subject and better equipped to handle the next time. You may still be embarrassed when asked, but you will be more in control of your reactions. You will be an invaluable resource for the next client who confides in you because you're now more aware of elder sexuality.
Best of luck in your career as a social worker!
Regards,
Michele Cauch
SageHealth Network
Monday, September 10, 2007
Tuesday, September 4, 2007
North York Seniors Talk about Safe Sex
Michele Cauch
SageHealth Network
September 4, 2007
The curious and intrigued filed into the synagogue at the Bernard Betel Centre in North York last Thursday. The NEW Sex Over Sixty was advertised as a “women only” workshop, much to the chagrin of a handful of older men who also came out. Unfortunately, they were asked to leave to ensure a comfortable and safe environment for the female participants to speak freely and openly. They all came to hear the speaker talk about senior sexuality, more specifically safe sex over sixty.
Although it still may be hard for some to believe, seniors need to be aware of sexual health risks. The fact is seniors are having sex and they’re at risk of contracting sexually transmitted infections. It’s essential to raise awareness of sexual health dangers that may affect seniors, give them information that could protect themselves and help them make better informed decisions about their health.
The presentation was informative, fun and full of questions from the participants. The goals of the workshop were to introduce seniors to sexual health risks, learn ways of communicating about safe sex and help participants become advocates of their own sexuality. The workshop dispelled some of the myths about sexually transmitted infections and myths about senior sexuality.
Even if people attending these workshops are not sexually active, they should still know about sexual health risks. This is just more information in their arsenal of personal knowledge when talking with friends, children and even grandchildren. All information is valuable and we all know that age is never protection against disease.
The feedback from the participants was very positive and the presentation was enthusiastically received. Comments ranged from, “I learned a lot so I can pass it on to others,” “very informative with a sense of lightness,” and “cutting edge presentation.”
Plans are underway to offer another workshop, one of which will be a sexual health presentation geared to a co-ed group where both men and women are welcome to come learn new information and share their thoughts and concerns on elder sexuality.
Thank you to the Bernard Betel Centre for hosting The New Sex Over Sixty workshop and all the wonderful participants who shared their thoughts, questions and wisdom.
SageHealth Network
September 4, 2007
The curious and intrigued filed into the synagogue at the Bernard Betel Centre in North York last Thursday. The NEW Sex Over Sixty was advertised as a “women only” workshop, much to the chagrin of a handful of older men who also came out. Unfortunately, they were asked to leave to ensure a comfortable and safe environment for the female participants to speak freely and openly. They all came to hear the speaker talk about senior sexuality, more specifically safe sex over sixty.
Although it still may be hard for some to believe, seniors need to be aware of sexual health risks. The fact is seniors are having sex and they’re at risk of contracting sexually transmitted infections. It’s essential to raise awareness of sexual health dangers that may affect seniors, give them information that could protect themselves and help them make better informed decisions about their health.
The presentation was informative, fun and full of questions from the participants. The goals of the workshop were to introduce seniors to sexual health risks, learn ways of communicating about safe sex and help participants become advocates of their own sexuality. The workshop dispelled some of the myths about sexually transmitted infections and myths about senior sexuality.
Even if people attending these workshops are not sexually active, they should still know about sexual health risks. This is just more information in their arsenal of personal knowledge when talking with friends, children and even grandchildren. All information is valuable and we all know that age is never protection against disease.
The feedback from the participants was very positive and the presentation was enthusiastically received. Comments ranged from, “I learned a lot so I can pass it on to others,” “very informative with a sense of lightness,” and “cutting edge presentation.”
Plans are underway to offer another workshop, one of which will be a sexual health presentation geared to a co-ed group where both men and women are welcome to come learn new information and share their thoughts and concerns on elder sexuality.
Thank you to the Bernard Betel Centre for hosting The New Sex Over Sixty workshop and all the wonderful participants who shared their thoughts, questions and wisdom.
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