The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that there are around 1.4 million people living in nursing homes across the country. These nursing home residents may be in different nursing home facilities, but they all share the same rights. Here are some of the many legal rights of nursing home residents:
Healthcare Rights
Every nursing home resident has the right to see a healthcare provider. Residents should be allowed to choose their own healthcare provider, and they should never be kept in the dark about their medical condition. If a resident does not want to take a medication or undergo a certain procedure, he has the right to refuse to do so.
Money Management
Nursing home facilities must allow their residents to manage their own money. If a resident does not feel comfortable managing his own money, he has the right to ask a trusted loved one to manage his finances for him. In addition, the nursing home must allow all residents to access their bank accounts or financial records at any time.
Right to Privacy
Even though nursing home residents live in close quarters, every resident has the right to privacy. Nursing home residents should be able to make private phone calls, visit with loved ones in private, and keep their personal belongings in a private and secure space.
Representative Notification
Nursing home facilities must get in touch with a resident’s legal representative or family members in certain situations. For example, if the resident injures himself or becomes seriously ill, the facility should notify his representative or family as soon as possible. These parties should also be contacted if a resident’s mental or physical state starts to decline suddenly or if the resident is being transferred to another facility.
Free From Abuse and Neglect
Nursing home residents have the right to be treated with dignity and respect. No nursing home resident should ever be subjected to any form of abuse or neglect. If a resident is abused or neglect, he also has the right to complain to the facility’s staff without fearing retaliation. Unfortunately, the right to live freely without being abused or neglected is often violated.
Has your loved one been abused or neglected in a nursing home? If so, contact Reisch Law Firm at once. Our personal injury attorneys will hold the nursing home accountable for this clear violation of your loved one’s rights. Schedule a free consultation today by calling 303-291-0555 or filling out this online form.
