Are You a Nursing Home Resident? You Need to Know Your Rights
The decision to move into a nursing home is a huge step in your life. And as you welcome this new chapter, you might have apprehensions and doubts about what lies ahead. After all, you’ll be spending most of your senior years in a nursing home, so it’s only fitting to make sure that your stay is as comfortable and safe as possible.
But what exactly are your rights as a nursing home resident?
You have the right to live a normal life
The notion that living in nursing homes makes you different from any other senior is definitely wrong. While you are in a new community, you still have the right to live a normal life, one where you can participate in activities that are good for your well-being and those that meet your needs. You have the right to socialize with other residents, join in communal activities and do your usual routines as long as they’re safe and not restricted for you.
You have the right to be treated with the utmost respect
Nursing homes are regulated by federal and state laws to ensure that all residents are protected in every way possible. As a resident, you have the right to be treated with the utmost respect and given the independence that you desire. You should be able to make decisions for yourself about the things that you want to do including when you want to wake up in the morning, go to bed at night and eat your meals throughout the day.
You have the right to be protected from neglect and abuse
As a nursing home resident, your safety and welfare should always be looked after at all times. This means that you can’t be isolated from other residents against your will and you have the right to be protected against physical, verbal, mental and sexual abuse.
If a nursing home is neglecting your needs or you have been mistreated during your stay, you have to report it to the nursing home, your family, the State Survey Agency or your local Long-Term Care Ombudsman so proper actions can be taken. The law states that all reported violations and injuries of unknown origins should be investigated by the nursing home within five working days of the incident.
You have the right to be safeguarded against any form of discrimination
Discrimination has been a longstanding issue in the United States. This is why all nursing homes are required to follow the Civil Rights laws where no applicant shall be discriminated or not accepted into a nursing home because of color, race, disability, age, nationality or religion.
These are just some of the many rights you have as a nursing home resident, so make sure you learn all about them to know when you should file a complaint and where you should go if your rights are violated by anyone. Of course, it also helps to always let your family know of your situation so they can also help you take the right actions.
Fallbrook Assisted Living is dedicated to making sure your stay with us is incredible. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Fallbrook Assisted Living today!
Fallbrook Assisted Living is proud to offer its services to Fremont, NE, and surrounding areas and cities: Arlington, Cedar Bluffs, Ames Nickerson, Fontanelle, Arlington, Leshara, Colon, and Hooper
