Practice of competence assement in dementia; Austria

Abstract

Human dignity is a basic right which is guaranteed by the Austrian law to each citizen including all persons with cognitive disabilities. This means that all citizens, even those with dementia and other cognitive impairments, have the right for self-determination and personal autonomy. The idea of human dignity includes the right that somebody whose ability to practise self-determination and personal autonomy should be supported by a legal representative in order to keep the chance to use his or her rights. © 2008 Springer-Verlag/Wien.