Dementia care is a growing concern as our population ages and more people live longer with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia, particularly in nursing homes. The widespread, inappropriate use of antipsychotic drugs on people with dementia compounds these concerns. Too many nursing home residents are given powerful and dangerous antipsychotics, despite a “Black-Box” warning that they are associated with increased risk of death in the elderly. Importantly, these drugs are not clinically indicated for so-called dementia behaviors.

This toolkit was developed to help residents, families and those who work with them meet and overcome the challenges to accessing good care and life with dignity. Each of the following fact sheets and resources provide information that can be used to support resident-centered advocacy for better care.

The toolkit was produced with the support of The Fan Fox & Leslie R. Samuels Foundation. It would not have been possible without input from family councils and LTC ombudsmen. We thank the Foundation and the residents, families and ombudsmen with whom we worked for making this Toolkit possible.

Visit our Fact Sheet Resource Page for more relevant fact sheets to support good nursing home care.

Recursos en Español