When it comes to dementia care and support, who are the real experts?
Until now, there have been no standards of practice for
person- and relationship-centered dementia support
that have directly engaged the informed experience
of the true dementia experts. . .
the individuals living with dementia.
Introducing the ...
Practice Guide for Nursing Home Communities
A set of practice standards focused exclusively on person- and relationship-centered dementia care and support.
A Valuable Tool
The Raising the Bar Practice Guide for Nursing Home Communities is a valuable tool that belongs in every long-term care community serving Elders living with dementia.
We have no greater responsibility than to ensure those Elders are able to live their lives well, with dignity and respect.
We have no better advisors in doing so than the Elders living with dementia themselves, who informed every facet of these practices.
The standards are high, but so are the stakes, and we must continually strive to meet this commitment to those who are entrusting us with this honor.
Mimi DeVinney, Dementia/QOL Specialist
St. Johns, Rochester, NY
Informational Video
This multi-year project is based on an inclusive, consensus-based process that brings together people living with dementia with aging services professionals and thought leaders to define a set of best practice processes that put the person first. Choose from electronic download or print formats below.
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What People Are Saying About Raising the Bar...
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Exciting!!! Well-Designed!

Raising The Bar is a Must-Have.

Raising The Bar
A Valuable Tool
We have no greater responsibility than to ensure those Elders are able to live their lives well, with dignity and respect. We have no better advisors in doing so than the Elders living with dementia themselves, who informed every facet of these practices.
The standards are high, but so are the stakes, and we must continually strive to meet this commitment to those who are entrusting us with this honor.

Empowering Platform!
Skillfully weaves in proactive, inclusive, capacity-building approaches.
What we want for our loved ones and ourselves!

I love that it is in "I" language!
Raising the Bar Guides are framed around five essential assumptions:
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Assumption #1
The voice and choice of individuals living with dementia are at the center of all discussion around support and quality of life. To honor this value, the Guides state outcomes and practices in the first person
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Assumption #2
Living well with dementia is a human right. Individuals living with dementia are often stigmatized and devalued, which impacts negatively on their well-being.
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Assumption #3
Appropriate support for individuals living with dementia focuses and builds on current strengths and abilities, rather than on weaknesses or inabilities.
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Assumption #4
Individuals living with dementia are entitled to accommodation, just as other individuals who live with different physical, cognitive, intellectual, and developmental abilities. The rights and needs of individuals living with dementia are covered by the American Disabilities Act (ADA).
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Assumption #5
Practice Guides are premised on the vision of inclusive living for all individuals who live with dementia.
Downloadable Version
of the Practice Guide for Nursing Home Communities
Print Version
of the Practice Guide for Nursing Home Communities
Frequently Asked Questions
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What does the downloadable version offer?
The downloadable version has the same full-color design features that the print version does, and it includes the downloadable Assessment Tool, and brief introductory video that sets the stage for your use of the Practice Guide. What the downloadable version offers that the print version does not is hyperlink navigation. What this means is that hyperlinks are used to make navigating to referenced information elsewhere in the guide easy. Clear instructions for hyperlink navigation are provided at the beginning of your guide and as a separate document.
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What does the print version offer?
The print version is a spiral-bound, full-color resource. It includes access to the downloadable Assessment Tool, and a brief introductory video that sets the stage for your use of the Practice Guide.
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Who do I contact, if I have questions along the way?
Send your questions to [email protected].