Research from Sexual Health and Family Planning ACT has determined a need for more resources and training for aged care staff in navigating sex and consent among the elderly in their care.

Organisation chief executive Tim Bavinton said sector employees were struggling with unclear guidelines and policies that left them unsure of their role in residents' relationships.

The body is looking at expanding its training program to meet the needs of aged care workers.

"Staff from one service provider said a resident with Alzheimer's was very keen to have sex with other residents but the question staff have is how do we know if that's OK if they've got degenerative brain function and what risk does that have?" Mr Bavinton said.

"There are issues of sexual harassment, sexual assault that staff feel unprepared to deal with, so what they end up doing is shutting that conversation down, and that has an impact on people who can consent."

Aged and Community Services NSW and ACT chief executive Illana Halliday said the sector welcomed more resources aimed at helping navigate the complex issue.

"The key to all of this is for families and aged care facilities to have very good conversations," she said.

"Some aged care providers go to the point of supporting families when they bring in someone to meet the needs of their father, some people are very open to doing that.

"Like it or not, people remain sexually active, and we need to factor that into what is their life plan."

Mr Bavinton agreed it was important the needs of the elderly were acknowledged and met.

"The two groups of people we don't want to talk about having sex in the world are our parents and our children, [but] if you say to anyone ... that relationships and sexual experiences will be one day something you're not able to enjoy, I don't think that thought brings a lot of joy," he said.