Intimacy and sexuality are fundamental aspects of wellbeing, identity, and relationships throughout life. Yet within dementia care, these topics are often overlooked or avoided - particularly in informal care settings. For people living with dementia and their families, this can lead to uncertainty and a lack of guidance at a time when relationships and needs may be changing.
To address this gap, The Alzheimer Society of Ireland is leading a new three-year Erasmus+ project, Dem I CARE: Learning About Intimacy in Dementia Care. The project brings together partners from Germany, Ireland, Netherlands and Poland to support more informed, open, and compassionate approaches to intimacy in dementia care.
The project was formally launched at a recent transnational meeting hosted in Ireland. Partners used the two-day workshop to align their shared objectives, refine the project plan, and begin development activities across key work packages. They were also pleased to be joined by Dr Hannah Christie (Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland), who provided an insightful overview of intimacy and sexuality in dementia, helping to ground the discussions in both research evidence and lived care experience.
The overall aim of Dem I CARE is to develop a culturally sensitive education programme for people impacted by dementia, with a particular focus on intimacy and sexuality in informal care. Course materials will be co-developed with stakeholders to ensure they are practical, respectful, and responsive to diverse cultural and care contexts.
By increasing knowledge, awareness, skills, and confidence, the project aims to support individuals and families to better navigate this important aspect of wellbeing and ultimately enhance quality of life for people affected by dementia.
Project outputs will be shared widely to foster greater understanding and encourage open dialogue around this often under-discussed but vital topic.
This project is co funded by the European Union.
