The Caring Corner®
YIKES! Dad is Frisky with the Caregiver!
Dementia can cause a person to lose their inhibitions and to behave in ways that they would not normally behave. This can include making sexual comments. There are a number of reasons why a dad with dementia might make sexual comments:
- He may not understand what he is saying. Dementia can cause a person to lose their understanding of social norms. This can include not understanding that it is not appropriate to make sexual comments in certain situations.
- He may be trying to get a reaction. People with dementia can sometimes behave in ways that they know will get a reaction from others. This can include making sexual comments.
- He may be trying to flirt. People with dementia can sometimes engage in flirtatious behavior. This can include making sexual comments.
- He may be trying to express himself. People with dementia can sometimes have difficulty expressing themselves in other ways. This can include making sexual comments.
- He may be trying to connect with others. People with dementia can sometimes feel isolated and alone. Making sexual comments can sometimes be a way of trying to connect with others.
If you are a caregiver for a dad with dementia who is making sexual comments, it is important to be patient and understanding. He may not understand what he is saying or he may be trying to get a reaction. You can try to redirect his attention to another topic or you can simply ignore his comments. If you are concerned about his behavior, you can talk to his doctor or a mental health professional.
If you need caregivers to assist with home care or elder care in Durham or Chapel Hill, call us. Experienced caregivers and CNAs can provide simple companionship or may help people with dementia, Alzheimer’s, on hospice and bed bound patients. From a few hours per visit to 24/7 care.
