Care with Dignity: A Simple Guide for Unpaid Dementia Caregivers

Abstract

Care with Dignity: A Simple Guide for Unpaid Dementia Caregivers is a practical, illustrated toolkit developed through the Global Campus Alumni Cross-Regional Project in partnership with Right Livelihood. Created using a participatory, human rights-based approach, the publication was co-designed with unpaid dementia caregivers in Nepal to ensure that its content reflects their lived experiences, priorities and everyday realities.

The toolkit provides accessible guidance on understanding dementia, communication strategies, daily caregiving, caregiver wellbeing, community support and the rights of unpaid caregivers. It also incorporates an advocacy brief highlighting key recommendations for strengthening the recognition, support and visibility of unpaid dementia caregivers within Nepal's care economy.

Developed through Care Circle sessions and in-depth conversations with caregivers, the publication demonstrates the value of co-creation in producing culturally appropriate and community-driven resources. Rather than developing a resource for caregivers, the project created it with caregivers, recognising them as essential partners in dementia care and in shaping solutions to the challenges they face.

Although designed for the Nepali context, the toolkit offers practical guidance and methodological insights relevant to community organisations, caregivers, health and social care practitioners, students, researchers and policymakers working on ageing, dementia care, community health and the human rights of older persons. It illustrates how participatory approaches can strengthen community support while promoting dignity, inclusion and the recognition of unpaid care work.