Nursing home residents, just like anyone else, have rights designed to safeguard their well-being and maintain their dignity. There’s an expectation in these nursing homes that residents will get the exact care they need. But there are times when some residents are being left abandoned by their staff and suffering under this abuse. It’s important for family members to understand these rights so they can put a stop to anything that’s happening to their loved ones. The sooner you are to putting a stop to the abuse, the quicker your loved one will get the care they need.
Respectful Treatment and Active Participation
Residents are entitled to be treated with respect and dignity. Staff must respect the specific requests of these residents to show that they listen and care. If they can’t follow these rules, then they are simply neglecting the rules and showing they don’t care for their residents. This can be concerning as this is the first sign that your loved one might be dealing with nursing home abuse. Residents also have the right to actively participate in their care planning and decision-making. This means that they don’t have to go through treatments if they aren’t comfortable with anything. If staff is constantly ignoring these requests because they can, then residents will constantly go through it until someone says something.
Access to Information:
Transparency is key; residents have the right to access information about their health and care, including medical records and treatment options. This helps to form the trust necessary between staff and resident when it comes to making the right decisions for their health. If staff is not willing to give their information to them, then they won’t have any idea what’s going on with them, which can be troubling. Furthermore, residents have the right to express grievances, and these concerns should be addressed promptly and effectively by nursing home management. Residents have a right to be heard and have their needs met, especially if they’re concerned about their well-being.
Quality Care and Services
Another critical right is the entitlement to receive adequate care and services to maintain the highest level of well-being. Residents are expected to receive the right medical care and assistance every day. It can be harder for them to accomplish daily activities with extra help. If staff is not willing to do this, then residents need to speak up to somebody. Residents also have the right to manage their own finances or designate a trusted individual to do so on their behalf. It’s common for staff to take advantage of their finances when they feel they aren’t paying attention, which counts as abuse.
Information Accessibility:
Residents deserve to be informed about their rights and responsibilities in a language and manner they understand. They need to have a written form on the rules and how everything works at the facility. If the facility is not willing to work with residents to hand them this basic information, then that can be a red flag. Residents have the right to have visitors and participate in social, religious, and community activities without unnecessary restrictions. Physical and chemical restraints should only be used when medically necessary and with the informed consent of the resident or their legal representative.
Privacy and Control over Healthcare Decisions
Residents also have the right to privacy and confidentiality in their communications and personal affairs. Staff should not disclose personal information about residents without their consent. Residents must be informed about any changes in their care or treatment plan and have the right to refuse any treatment they do not wish to receive. Consent is necessary for everything that goes on in a nursing home. If staff is refusing to listen to their needs, then that goes against the resident’s rights, and they can seek legal help for the issue.
Advocacy and Designated Representatives:
Residents can designate a trusted individual to act as their advocate and make healthcare decisions on their behalf if they become unable to do so themselves. This is where family members need to come and fight for their loved ones. The facility doesn’t have the right to make decisions for your loved one, especially when it comes to healthcare. If a resident has someone fighting for them, then their case will be heard, and they’ll be able to get the justice they need.
Nursing home residents possess specific rights by law to ensure they receive quality care while being treated with dignity and respect. Nursing homes were made to create a space for those who hit a certain age and can’t care for themselves. Family members have the expectation that their loved one is receiving the care they need. If staff and the facility are refusing to do that, then it’s important to seek legal representation before it’s too late. Advocating for your loved one is the first step in creating a safe environment for other nursing home residents.