Has anyone had their parent suddenly shown sexual interest inappropriately, out of the blue? How do you handle this?

It depends on how the ISB is showing. If it’s directed to the staff or other residents, it’s the facilities responsibility to deal with it. If they aren't bothered, perhaps you shouldn't be either. If it’s towards you or a family member, stay out of reach yourself and try to ignore it. Perhaps follow the suggestions about leaving if he won’t stop, same as for abusive comments. If it’s masturbation in public, it’s embarrassing but not dangerous and the same advice holds good. It may be no consolation, but the parents of adults with an intellectual disability often have to cope with this – the mothers group told me of an incident on the train coming home from a group picnic, which had them all in stitches laughing. I was impressed by how tough they were! Have courage.

This behavior is quite common with dementia and Alzheimer's and referred to as ISB or Inappropriate Sexual Behavior. The doctor needs to be informed and medication can be prescribed to alleviate the symptoms. If you Google ISB you can learn all about the problem, symptoms and treatments.

Best of luck!