Guiding Principles:

These are our fundamental beliefs by which we will carry out our work:

1.   Health is a state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease and infirmity.

2.   Each person living with dementia has the right to health and well-being no matter who they are or their capabilities.

3.   The foundation for well-being is formed by supporting people to meet a set of inter-related universal human needs that have long been recognized by social scientists. These human needs include:

(a) having one’s identity recognized and respected,

(b) feeling secure in one’s surroundings,

(c) being connected to the past, present, and future,

(d) having control over one’s life,

(e) pursuing relationships and activities that hold meaning;

(f) evolving as a human being, and

(g) experiencing joy in one’s daily life.

4.   By focusing on well-being, we see dementia in the context of the whole person, fostering achievable, strength-based opportunities to engage in relationships and activities that allow these universal human needs to be met and life affirming goals to be reached.                                                                                          

5.   The well-being of each person living with dementia is at the center of our undertakings.

6.   Empowering those living with dementia and their care partners requires offering education, options, resources, and support.

7.   Relationships matter.

8.   Through broad-based community and institutional partnerships and collaborations, ongoing education, resource development, and advocacy, we will strengthen community sector capacities and institutional accountability thus promoting a culture of well-being, inclusion, health equity, and hope for persons at risk of or living with dementia and their care-partners.