Creating space for relationships.

Area of Science:

• Gerontology
• Dementia Care
• Healthcare Facility Design

Background:

• Sexuality is integral to personality and well-being, encompassing needs for touch, intimacy, and affection.
• Long-term care facility designs frequently impede residents' ability to engage in private, intimate, or romantic activities.
• Maintaining residents' dignity and independence is paramount in specialized dementia care settings.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe the establishment of a private guestroom, the "Family Room," at Patriots Place, a dementia unit within the VA Maine Healthcare System Community Living Center (CLC).
• To address the expressed needs for privacy and sexual intimacy among residents with dementia and their partners.
• To support the autonomy, dignity, and relational continuity of long-term care residents.

Main Methods:

• A case study approach was employed to detail the rationale and implementation process.
• Policies were developed based on supporting the dignity and independence of individuals with dementia.
• The project involved collaboration with residents, partners, and healthcare staff.

Main Results:

• The "Family Room" was successfully established at Patriots Place, a specialized dementia unit.
• Despite potential challenges like staff acceptance and space needs, positive support was received from residents, partners, and staff.
• The initiative addresses critical needs for privacy, intimacy, and sexual expression in long-term care.

Conclusions:

• The "Family Room" serves as a vital resource for accommodating the privacy and intimacy needs of long-term care residents with dementia.
• This initiative supports relational continuity and sexual expression, enhancing residents' overall quality of life and dignity.
• The project demonstrates a successful culture change within the VA Maine Healthcare System, prioritizing resident autonomy and well-being.