What is the “Dementia Bill of Rights”?
The rights of all human beings, with the exception of those suffering from Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias, are eloquently expressed by the Reverend Franz Kamphaus, Honorary Bishop of the Diocese of Limburg, Germany and Minister of the House of the People. It has been taken. Persons with physical and mental disabilities: “We do not assign human dignity to each other. That is why no one can deny it. Human dignity is a given. It must not be violated.”
The Universal Declaration of Human Rights, proclaimed by the United Nations General Assembly, states that everyone has the right to life, liberty and personal security. Often these rights are not seen or even ignored when caring for people affected by dementia due to the general nature and progression of dementia.
Nonetheless, dementia does not, among other things, undermine the right to maintain one’s identity, to make care choices and to continue to contribute to society. People diagnosed with dementia do not want their illness to define them or feel ashamed of it.
Thus, articulating the needs of people affected by dementia through a ‘rights-based lens’ will give urgency and importance to the growing dementia health crisis, and dementia cannot be ignored by anyone. make it a thing
For more than 20 years, Virginia Bell and David Troxel have emphasized the value of helping people with Alzheimer’s and other dementias feel safe, secure, cared for and live with dignity. .
Their program, Best Friend Approach, helps families and professional caregivers learn and apply these important tasks. Bell and Troxell created the Alzheimer’s Bill of Rights in the 1990s to articulate a new model of caregiving. Updated from the original version with new wording added from suggestions from people with dementia.
According to the Dementia Bill of Rights, all people diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease or other dementias:
- to be informed about my diagnosis
- To receive appropriate and continuous medical care
- Treated as an adult, listening to and respecting their feelings and opinions
- Being with people who know their life story, including their cultural and spiritual traditions
- Experience meaningful engagement throughout the day
- live in a safe and stimulating environment
- being outdoors regularly
- be as free from psychotropic drugs as possible
- Welcomes physical contact such as hugs, caresses, and handholds
- Be an advocate for yourself and others
- Be part of local, global or online communities
- Having a care partner who is well trained in dementia care.
Source: The Best Friends Dementia Bill of Rights by Virgina Bell and David Troxel.
Questions about Alzheimer’s or related disorders can be sent to Dana Territo, author of What My Grandson Taught Me About Alzheimer’s, at thememorywhisperer@gmail.com.
