WHAT THE MIND SOMETIMES FORGET THE HEART MAY REMEMBER

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

*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.

From The Best Friends Approach to Alzheimer’s Care by Virginia Bell and David Troxel (permission to print)