(SA06) My Patient Wants to Have Sex. Now What?—How Occupational Therapy Can Help

While many older adults report they are or want to be sexually active, they experience physiological, cognitive, psychosocial, and environmental barriers. Determining if sex is safe for nursing home residents despite these barriers often falls on the physician. Occupational therapists (OTs) use a process known as activity analysis to break down activities and adapt them so any patient can perform them safely. Clinicians can utilize this patient-centered evaluation approach in their clinical decision-making around safe sex recommendations for residents. Through a brief presentation and case-based scenarios, attendees will learn about and practice using activity analysis skills to evaluate sexual activity. We will discuss when and how to consult rehabilitation clinicians on sexual activity. Lastly, we will go over techniques for best delivering sexual activity recommendations to patients and family.