At the beginning of  July 2026 in Sofia, representatives of Alzheimer Bulgaria Association, Dr Lora Lyubenova and Maya Marinova, took part in a meeting with Dr Michael O’Flaherty, the Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights. The meeting was held during his official visit to Bulgaria from 29 June to 3 July 2026.

Representatives of the Global Initiative on Psychiatry – Sofia, the Bulgarian Association of Social Workers, the Bulgarian Helsinki Committee and the Network of Independent Experts in Bulgaria also participated. The discussion focused on the human rights of older people living in institutions, wider challenges within the long-term care system and the protection of people in vulnerable situations.

Dementia as a human rights issue

The representatives of Alzheimer Bulgaria drew attention to the situation of people living with dementia in residential care homes and other institutions. They presented the Association’s longstanding advocacy for the human rights, dignity and autonomy of people living with dementia, as well as its work to promote person-centred, coordinated and high-quality care.

The issues raised included:

• the limited capacity of specialised dementia services and long waiting times;
• shortages of qualified staff and specialist expertise;
• the need for standards for day and residential services adapted to the needs of people with different forms of dementia;
• stronger coordination between healthcare and social care services;
• the involvement of people with dementia and their families in decisions concerning their care;
• independent monitoring of institutions and a stronger role for civil society organisations;
• opportunities to involve art therapists, music therapists, physiotherapists and other professionals in everyday care;
• the development of social support and dementia-friendly communities that enable people with dementia to remain active members of society.

Alzheimer Bulgaria has consistently maintained that every person living with dementia has the right to be respected and valued as a unique individual, to receive a timely diagnosis and appropriate follow-up, to have equitable access to treatment and therapeutic interventions, and to benefit from quality support throughout the progression of the condition.

Visibility for the MEMORABLE project

During the meeting, Dr Lora Lyubenova and Maya Marinova also presented the Association’s work as coordinator of the European MEMORABLE project.

The project uses the potential of art and culture to support a more dementia-inclusive society. It seeks to help people living with dementia maintain meaningful connections with their communities and access cultural and social experiences.

The representatives presented findings and policy recommendations developed through research in Bulgaria and cooperation among partners from five European countries. These emphasise the need to:

• integrate cultural participation into dementia and long-term care policies;
• provide training for professionals in the cultural, social and healthcare sectors;
• develop accessible and inclusive cultural spaces;
• establish sustainable cooperation among public authorities, municipalities, civil society organisations, cultural institutions and care providers;
• support person-centred activities that promote well-being, social connection and the active participation of people living with dementia.

Cultural and creative activities should not be treated merely as optional additions to care. They can help sustain personal abilities, communication, a sense of belonging and quality of life for people with dementia, both in the community and in residential services.

The Commissioner’s recommendations

Following his visit, the Commissioner published an official statement. While acknowledging Bulgaria’s efforts to reform long-term care, he stressed that significant challenges remain.

The statement highlighted the limited availability of specialised dementia care and the long waiting lists for people requiring such services. The Commissioner called on the authorities to strengthen geriatric expertise, expand dementia care and address workforce shortages by improving working conditions and training opportunities.

He also emphasised the need for better integration of healthcare and social care in order to provide an integrated, person-centred approach. Further recommendations included strengthening independent monitoring of long-term care facilities, facilitating the work of civil society organisations, ensuring effective investigations into abuse and neglect, and introducing supported decision-making arrangements that fully respect people’s autonomy, dignity and rights.

The meeting and the Commissioner’s subsequent statement reaffirm the need to place dementia at the heart of long-term care reform. For Alzheimer Bulgaria, this means continuing to advocate for a system that goes beyond providing residential accommodation and instead protects the rights, identity, choices and meaningful participation of every person living with dementia.