January is known to be Alzheimer’s Awareness Month across Canada. With the awareness of Alzheimer’s, it is critical to be reminded of the impact of dementia on the lives of many Canadians. The experiences of those suffering from Alzheimer’s continue, and must be learned about to reinforce human rights and encourage policy changes.
The Alzheimer’s Society recognizes and supports the rights of those impacted by dementia through the Canadian Charter of Rights for People with Dementia. The Society focuses on combating stigma and systemic oppression related to issues of race and dementia. The significance of the Canadian Charter of Rights for People with Dementia is that it protects people living with dementia by ensuring they assert their rights, benefit from legal rights, encourage participation in policies directly impacting them and reinforce a free-of-stigma life.
The Charter was established to reinforce the importance of human rights for people with dementia. People living with dementia face difficulties making decisions about their everyday lives. The Charter strengthens their right to manage their own life and to stand up for themselves when their rights may be infringed. A human rights-based approach through this Charter empowers people with dementia to claim and be aware of their rights while others and organizations are responsible for respecting and protecting them. This perspective sheds light on the importance of human rights and the ability to participate as a society in developing proper policies and practices that include people living with dementia.
Many members of the Alzheimer Society Advisory group shared their experiences about the impact of the Canadian Charter of Rights for People with Dementia. Marilyn, one of the board members, stated that the Charter of Rights is “a reminder for me, and those who interact with me, that I am still here, and I am still a person.” The humanization provided by the Charter is another reminder that awareness of Alzheimer’s should not simply be remembered for the month of January but on a long-term basis to continue advocacy for those living with dementia.