All persons are deserving of dignity. This Alzheimer’s Bill of Rights is a helpful guideline for those caring for persons with Alzheimer’s to help them maintain their human dignity throughout their challenge.

Alzheimer’s Bill of Rights

From “The Best Friends Approach to Alzheimer’s Care”
By Virginia Bell and David Troxel

Every person diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease or a related disorder deserves the following rights:

■ To be informed of one’s diagnosis.
■ To have appropriate, ongoing medical care.
■ To 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.