Empowering Change, The Realities Of Social Care

Sex in Social Care

Nicola Holmes

Sexuality doesn’t disappear with age or disability, yet sex in social care remains one of the most avoided and misunderstood topics. It’s often treated as an uncomfortable issue rather than being recognised as a fundamental part of human well-being. Ignoring it doesn’t make it go away, it just leaves care teams unprepared to support residents in a way that respects their dignity and needs.

For many staff, discussing sexuality in care feels uncomfortable, but with education, clear care plans, and open discussions, these concerns can be addressed. Avoiding the subject only leads to confusion and inconsistent approaches, leaving both residents and staff uncertain about boundaries and best practices. Person-centred care means recognising and respecting all aspects of an individual’s life, including their right to intimacy.

By normalising conversations around sex in care settings, we can move towards a more informed and compassionate approach, one that values autonomy while maintaining professional and ethical standards. How does your care setting handle this sensitive topic? Are staff trained and supported to respond appropriately?