Bridging the Gap in Guidance for Disabled People
Sex and intimacy are fundamental aspects of life, yet there is a glaring lack of guidance on how disabled people can use equipment like hoists to facilitate these experiences. Despite the availability of mobility aids, there remains a gap in visual prompts, resources, and professional conversations on the subject.
Rosemarie Scrutton, a Moving and Handling Advisor for Adult Care Services, is working to change this. She is spearheading a project to develop a visual guide that will support both disabled people and professionals in understanding the practical applications of hoists and slings for intimacy.
“My main focus will be on physical practical solutions, using equipment not necessarily for its intended purpose but hoping to enlighten professionals on lateral thinking, positive risk-taking, and importantly, having those open discussions.” – Rosemarie Scrutton
Why This Matters
Many disabled people face barriers when discussing sex and intimacy with healthcare professionals. These conversations are often overlooked in care planning, and professionals may not have the knowledge or confidence to provide guidance. By working collaboratively with equipment providers, disabled people, and professionals, Rosemarie hopes to create a much-needed resource to fill this gap.
“I have approached hoist companies I work with across Hertfordshire, and they are very much wanting to work collaboratively.” – Rosemarie Scrutton
How You Can Get Involved
Rosemarie is seeking guidance, advice, and collaborative input from disabled people, professionals, and equipment providers. If you have experience using hoists or other mobility equipment in this context, or if you’re an industry professional interested in supporting this initiative, your input would be invaluable.
Would you like to share your experiences or insights? Get in touch to help shape this important project.
For more information, contact Rosemarie Scrutton at Hertfordshire County Council. (Rosemarie.Scrutton@hertfordshire.gov.uk)
Explore More on Disability Horizons
At Disability Horizons, we have covered a wide range of topics related to sex, relationships, and intimacy for disabled people. If you’re looking for more information, advice, or personal experiences, check out our dedicated section on dating, relationships, and sex.
Some of our popular articles include:
- Our full category page on sex and disability – covering intimacy, relationships, and accessibility.
- Navigating dating with a disability – advice on confidence, communication, and finding the right partner.
- Exploring different sexual aids – understanding the options available to enhance intimacy.
- Can you have sex? and other common questions!
These resources provide insights from disabled people and experts, helping to break down barriers and encourage open discussions. If you have a story to share or want to contribute to this important conversation, we’d love to hear from you.
About Rosemarie Scrutton:
Rosemarie Scrutton is a Registered Nurse (RN) with a Certificate in Education (Cert ED) and a Diploma in Ergonomics for Health and Social Care. She has been a member of the National Back Exchange, an organization that promotes good practice in manual handling. For the past 23 years, she has served as a Moving and Handling Advisor within Adult Care Services at Hertfordshire County Council, where she has contributed significantly to the welfare and safety of care recipients and staff through her expertise in ergonomics and handling techniques.