Canadian Charter of Rights for People with Dementia

Canadian Charter of Rights for People with Dementia

As a person with dementia, I have the same human rights as every Canadian as outlined in the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms. The following charter:

Makes sure people with dementia know their rights,
Empowers people with dementia to ensure their rights are protected and respected, and
Makes sure that people and organizations that support people with dementia know these rights.

It will take the effort of every Canadian to protect and respect the rights of people with dementia so that we are seen as valuable and vital community members.

As a person with dementia, the following rights are especially important to me. I have the right:

  1. To be free from discrimination of any kind.
  2. To benefit from all of Canada’s civic and legal rights.
  3. To participate in developing and implementing policies that affect my life.
  4. To access support so that I can live as independently as possible and be as engaged as possible in my community. This helps me:
    Meet my physical, cognitive, social, and spiritual needs, 
    Get involved in community and civic opportunities, and 
    Access opportunities for lifelong learning. 
  5. To get the information and support I need to participate as fully as possible in decisions that affect me, including care decisions from the point of diagnosis to palliative and end-of-life care.
  6. To expect that professionals involved in my care are:
    Trained in both dementia and human rights. 
    Held accountable for protecting my human rights including my right to get the support and information I need to make decisions that are right for me. 
    Treating me with respect and dignity
    Offering me equal access to appropriate treatment options as I develop health conditions other than my dementia. 
  7. To access effective complaint and appeal procedures when my rights are not protected or respected.