Heart-Centered Care: A Guide to Consent and Everyday Intimacy in Dementia Care

This education fills a critical gap for family and professional caregivers who support people living with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias by addressing one of the most complex and under-discussed areas of care: intimacy, consent, and human connection. Objectives: 1. Differentiate sexual versus non-sexual affection in dementia care settings. 2. Identify observable indicators of consent, comfort, and distress during affectionate interactions. 3. Apply ethical and person-centered principles when responding to affection in individuals living with dementia. 4. Recognize contextual factors and power dynamics that may impact consent capacity. 5. Develop communication strategies to address family and team concerns regarding affection and resident rights.

Presentation lead by the Alzheimer’s Association Minnesota-North Dakota with speakers Megan Dooley and Beth Olson

BELTSS MN26-6032