Ethics in Aging Services: Navigating Complex Decisions with Compassion and Care 

Agenda

9:30 – 10:30 a.m. Session 1: Ethical Considerations: Sexuality in Nursing Homes/Assisted Living Centers

Sexuality and sexual expression among older adults are often overlooked in long-term care settings. Providers must balance autonomy, safety, dignity, and person-centered care while navigating complex situations involving intimacy and sexual activity.

This session will explore CMS expectations related to protecting residents while supporting their rights and autonomy. Participants will learn effective communication strategies, considerations for assessing sexual decision-making capacity, and guidance for supporting residents with dementia or diminished capacity.

Learning Objectives:

• Identify ethical considerations related to sexuality and sexual expression among older adults in nursing homes and assisted living settings.
• Describe approaches for assessing an older adult’s capacity to make decisions regarding sexual activity, including considerations for individuals living with dementia.
• Discuss strategies to balance autonomy, safety, dignity, and person-centered care when responding to sexual expression.

10:45 – 11:45 a.m. Session 2: Ethics in Action: Navigating Dilemmas in Long-Term Care & Assisted Living

Ethical dilemmas are a daily reality in aging services, especially when resident preferences, family expectations, professional standards, and personal values collide. This session explores practical approaches to ethical decision-making that balance compassion, resident rights, and professional responsibilities. Through real-world scenarios, participants will gain greater confidence in navigating difficult situations with clarity, integrity, and a person-centered focus.

Learning Objectives:

• Identify common ethical dilemmas in long-term care and assisted living and the competing values or perspectives involved.
• Apply ethical decision-making frameworks to evaluate challenging situations and develop appropriate, person-centered responses.
• Demonstrate strategies for balancing resident preferences, family concerns, professional responsibilities, and organizational policies when making difficult decisions.

WHO SHOULD ATTEND?

Providers across the senior care continuum— life plan communities, assisted living and skilled nursing facilities.  This program is designed for C-Suite, administrators,  nurses, leadership, activities, dietary and social services.  

CE’s: Earn up to 2 CE

DATE

December 1,  2026

TIME

9:30 – 10:30 Session 1

Break

10:45 – 11:45 session 2

LOCATION

Online.

Virtual Link: Class Material and Zoom link will be sent two days prior

FACULTY

Cat Selman

Catherine “Cat” Selman is an educator, consultant, author, and nationally recognized speaker with more than 30 years of experience in healthcare, social work, activities, education, management, and regulatory compliance.

As a speaker in all 50 states, Cat brings practical experience and an engaging, energetic approach to topics affecting today’s long-term care professionals. Her expertise includes person-centered care, regulatory and compliance requirements, care planning, documentation, dementia care, and quality of life.

Cat is President and Co-Founder of The Cat Selman Company/The Healthcare Communicators, Inc. and Co-Founding Director of the Quality of Life Alliance. Her career has also included leadership roles in social services, activities, marketing, and corporate consulting within senior living and healthcare organizations.

FEES

Provider and Business Members: $99
Non-members: $198

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