Alzheimer’s Disease Bill of Rights
Every person with dementia deserves the following:
- To be informed of one’s diagnosis
- To have appropriate, ongoing medical care
- To be productive in work and play for as long as possible
- To be treated like an adult, not like a child
- To have expressed feelings taken seriously
- To be free from psychotropic medications, if possible
- To live in a safe, structured, and predictable environment
- To enjoy meaningful activities that fill each day
- To be outdoors on a regular basis
- To have physical contact, including: hugging, caressing, and hand-holding
- To be with individuals who know one’s life story, including cultural and religious traditions
- To be cared for by individuals who are well trained in dementia care
We are faced with the responsibility of caring for a person with dementia, we often will wonder if our decisions are ethical and in the best interest of our loved one. use this list as a gauge to help with the decision making process. When we second guess ourselves, we sometimes start making decisions based on emotion instead of logic. We all want whats best for our loved ones. so, I hope this bit of info helps with those decisions.
Understanding the Alzheimer’s Disease Bill of Rights
Treat Every Person with Respect
People living with Alzheimer’s disease deserve to be treated with dignity, listened to, and involved in decisions whenever possible. Our Do’s and Don’ts of Communication While Caregiving article shares practical ways to communicate respectfully and support meaningful conversations.
Use Medications Thoughtfully
Whenever appropriate, non-drug approaches should be considered before psychotropic medications. Learn more in our Learn About Psychotropic Medications for Dementia resource.
Create a Safe and Predictable Environment
A familiar routine, calm surroundings, and a structured daily schedule can help reduce anxiety and confusion. Additional caregiving tips are available in our Coping with Agitation and Aggression in Alzheimer’s Disease article and our Creating a Manageable and Engaging Environment guide.
Support Meaningful Daily Activities
Simple activities that match a person’s abilities help preserve independence and improve quality of life. Encouraging enjoyable routines can provide purpose while reducing frustration.
Receive Care from Trained Professionals
When additional support is needed, caregivers can benefit from experienced dementia professionals. Learn about our Residential Care with Dementia services and how we help families navigate memory care.
FAQ Section
Why is the Alzheimer's Disease Bill of Rights important?
It helps families and caregivers remember that every person living with Alzheimer’s disease deserves dignity, respect, meaningful activities, and compassionate care throughout every stage of the disease.
How can caregivers support these rights every day?
Caregivers can communicate respectfully, maintain a safe and predictable environment, encourage meaningful activities, and seek guidance from trained dementia care professionals when additional support is needed.
