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Learning the Art of ‘Responding, Not Reacting’ When Issues of Sexuality and Intimacy Arise8/25/202611am1pm
Instruction Time: 2 hours
Exam: No
CE: Eligible
Date: Tuesday, August 25, 2026
Time: 11:00 a.m.- 1:00 p.m. PT
Delivery: Virtual, via Zoom
$49 member / $89 non-member
Course Description
This thought-provoking session will explore one of the most challenging and often avoided topics in dementia care: sexuality, intimacy, and personal relationships. As dementia progresses, questions surrounding consent, sexual expression, identity, orientation, and relationship rights can create discomfort, uncertainty, and complex care situations for residents, families, and staff alike. Caregivers can provide the right support when we determine we will be inclusive and authentically interested in relationships with others and ourselves.
Guided by the Positive Approach to Care® philosophy, this session will challenge participants to examine their own beliefs, biases, and emotional reactions while developing practical strategies grounded in empathy, curiosity, compassion, and person-directed living. Attendees will explore the rights and responsibilities of people living with dementia, consider differing perspectives, and gain greater confidence in addressing sensitive situations with dignity and respect.
Discover approaches that honor both individual choice and resident well-being. Move beyond fear and judgment to foster a deeper understanding of how you can support meaningful human connection, intimacy, and self-expression throughout the dementia journey.
Learning Objectives
- Recognize common ethical, emotional, and care challenges related to intimacy for people living with dementia, and personal beliefs and biases that may influence responses.
- Identify practical communication and care strategies for sensitive situations involving consent, intimacy, and sexual expression.
- Differentiate between reacting to challenging situations and responding with curiosity, compassion, and empathy using the Positive Approach to Care® philosophy to support resident rights, dignity, and meaningful relationships.
Presenter
Teepa Snow, MS, OTR/L, FAOTA | Positive Approach to Care®
Teepa Snow, MS, OTR/L, FAOTA, is an Occupational Therapist with over forty years of rich and varied clinical and academic experience. She is a graduate of Duke University with a degree in Zoology. She received her MS degree from the University of North Carolina in Chapel Hill. Teepa has served in a wide variety of leadership and advisory positions in professional organizations at both the state and national levels, including the Alzheimer’s Association, Alzheimer’s Foundation of America, AOTA, and NBCOT. She has worked as part of Duke University Medical Center’s Neuro-Rehabilitation Team, at UNC-CH’s Geriatric Clinic, as an OT director in a head injury facility, as a clinical specialist in geriatrics for a Veteran’s Administration Medical Center, and as a therapist and restorative care coordinator for long term care facilities. Her education, work experiences, recent medical and international research, and first-hand care provision led her to the development of the GEMS® States of Brain Change and the Positive Approach™ training strategies to guide others in effectively working with people living with neurocognitive degeneration. Her company, Positive Approach to Care®, provides online and in-person education and products to support those living with brain change worldwide. She also co-founded the Snow Approach Foundation, a nonprofit organization based in Hillsborough, North Carolina. Teepa presents with extraordinary expertise and humor to audiences throughout the world.