RSL Care talks seniors… and sex!

Registration is now open for RSL Care’s topical Sex in the Seniors Workshop in November.

Luke Greive, RSL Care executive manager of service delivery, said the free two hour interactive workshop would focus on the diversity of sexuality in older people in residential aged care.

He said it was timely and topical following the federal government’s Living Longer Living Better initiatives to improve support for access to aged care services for older Australians from diverse backgrounds including people from the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex (LGBTI) community.

“For 75 years RSL Care has focused on the physical, mental and emotional needs of ex-Service men and women. Many of the learnings we have gained from this community have been valuable to ensuring the physical and mental health needs of the broader Australian community are being met, including their identity, sexuality and relationships,” Mr Greive said.

“The senior community, like any community, is made up of culturally diverse individuals with individual needs, preferences and desires.

“Because you are ageing does not mean that your human wants and needs cease. Conversely, it is at this time of your life – when you may feel most alone and vulnerable, that feeling confident, safe and secure in yourself and your surroundings is most important.”

According to Mr Greive, as providers of care there is a responsibility to ensure all aspects of seniors’ physical and mental health needs are being met, including their identity and relationships.

The two hour workshop will be facilitated by well known Australian author, journalist, and former Big Brother host Gretel Killeen.

It will include a panel discussion with a manager of a leading residential health and aged care provider, a Research Fellow and representatives from the heterosexual and LGBTI community.

“By sharing and seeking experiences and views on broad lifestyle and social issues we hope to better understand how aged care providers can better support the physical and emotional needs of our clients,” Mr Greive said.

RSL Care’s Sex in the Seniors workshop, a pre-conference workshop of the Australian Association of Gerontology National Conference (AAG), will be held at the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre on Tuesday, 20 November 2012. For more information or to complete your registration, email RSL Care by Friday, 16 November 2012.