Although you might no longer live at home, you still have rights as a nursing home resident. Unfortunately, many seniors either aren’t aware of these rights or don’t understand what to do when these rights are infringed. Here’s just a few of the most important rights you or your loved one is entitled to.
Rights Regarding Personal Freedom
As a nursing home resident you have the right to your own personal freedom. This means you are afforded the same rights every other citizen has in their home. You have the right to privacy. No staff member or visitor can invade your space without your permission. You also have the right to make your own choices such as what clothing you wish to wear and how you wish to spend your time. You may participate in any nursing home or community activities that you desire or you may choose not to. As a resident you also have the right to confidently. A staff member may not share your information with any other person without your consent.
Rights Regarding Medical Care
Nursing home residents may require regular medical treatment. Nurses are always on duty and doctors are readily available in case of an emergency. As a nursing home resident, you have the right to be informed of all aspects regarding your medical condition and to make your own medical decisions if you are of sound mind to do so. You can choose your own doctor and dictate what forms of treatment you will accept. If a doctor has deemed you unable to make your own medical decisions, you have the right to have a loved one oversee your health care.
Rights Regarding Personal Safety
It is with hope that your nursing home environment is filled with loving and caring staff members. You should, however, be aware that the law protects your from mental and physical abuse. If any occurs, report it immediately. You also have a right to make a complaint about any aspect of your nursing home experience without fear of repercussions from any staff member, other resident, or outside individual.
If you believe your rights or those of a loved one have been violated, contact our office today.
Stephen A. Mendel, Estate Planning Attorney
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