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DESK REVIEWS | 04.03.01.01. Human rights-based approach

DESK REVIEW | 04.03.01.01. Human rights-based approach

The Mental Health Review Report (MHRR) indicates that persons with dementia are under legal protection according to the Mental Health Ordinance (MHO) (Cap 136) and the Enduring Powers of Attorney Ordinance (Cap 501). These ordinances guarantee and protect the rights of people with mental illness including dementia throughout the process of illness and recovery. Persons with dementia can appoint a guardian or an attorney when they are still mentally capable. This guardian or attorney can help take care and make decisions for their welfare and financial affairs (Food and Health Bureau, 2017a, p. 160). The wishes of persons with dementia and their family members should be respected under the ordinances (Food and Health Bureau, 2017a, p. 172).

The Elderly Services Programme Plan (ESPP) highlights the principle on dignity of older people. They deserve the respect of others as a member of the community (Working Group on Elderly Services Programme Plan, 2017, p. 13).

References:

Food and Health Bureau. (2017a). Mental Health Review Report.  Retrieved from https://www.fhb.gov.hk/download/press_and_publications/otherinfo/180500_mhr/e_mhr_full_report.pdf.

Working Group on Elderly Services Programme Plan, Elderly Commission of Government of Hong Kong SAR,. (2017). Elderly Services Programme Plan. Hong Kong: Elderly Commission of Government HKSAR Retrieved from https://www.elderlycommission.gov.hk/en/download/library/ESPP_Final_Report_Eng.pdf.

Yes, particularly action step 2: ‘Advocacy of human rights for people with dementia and their caregivers’ (Ministry of Health Republic of Indonesia, 2015a, p.5).

References:

Ministry of Health Republic of Indonesia. (2015a). Ministry of Health Regulation No. 67/2015 on Geriatric Services in Public Health Center (Permenkes No. 67/2015 Tentang Penyelenggaraan Pelayanan Kesehatan Lanjut Usia Di Pusat Kesehatan Masyarakat). Kementrian Kesehatan Indonesia, 1–140.

No data was sourced due to a lack of dementia policy in Jamaica.

The Alzheimer’s and other dementias Action Plan (Gutiérrez-Robledo & Arrieta-Cruz, 2014) is in line with a human rights-based approach.

References:

Gutiérrez-Robledo, L., & Arrieta-Cruz, I. (2014). Plan de Acción Alzheimer y otras demencias, México 2014. http://diariote.mx/docs/plan_alzheimer_WEB.pdf

Not applicable as there is no dementia-specific policy or plan for South Africa.