If you are an Alzheimer’s caregiver or a patient in the early stages of Alzheimer’s disease, you may be interested to read about the “Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) Bill of Rights.” The AD Bill of Rights is a list of rights for all people with AD. The document was originally written by Virginia Bell and David Troxel.
Below is the list of fundamental values that each and every adult diagnosed with AD (and related dementias) deserves:
- 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
Find out more about the rights of those with AD by reading the book written by Virginia Bell and David Troxel called “A Dignified Life: The Best Friend’s Approach to Alzheimer’s Care; A Guide for Family Caregivers.” This book outlines methods for integrating dignity and respect into the daily lives of those with AD and Alzheimer’s caregivers.
To learn more about AD, check out our free courses on AD caregiving and AD prevention & treatment by CLICKING HERE
