Elderly people do not surrender their rights when they enter a retirement home. No matter if it's a nursing home, an assisted living center, a senior citizen apartment or a hospice, it's important for the elderly (and their families) to know their rights and what to do if those rights are violated.
The Right to Courtesy and Dignity
As impersonal as a retirement facility may seem, caregivers should remember that it is the resident's home. All residents have the right to be treated as individuals. They should be called by their proper names or the nicknames they choose. Food should be served in a timely manner and activities must not offend resident dignity.
Residents may complain about care they receive or not receive without fear of reprisal. Those complaints should be handled in a timely manner and the resident should be notified when that complaint is addressed by the proper officials.
Freedom from Abuse
Residents should be assured that their needs are being met. They also have the right to be free of mental and/or physical abuse, including the use of unnecessary physical restraints. Call lights should be within easy reach and should be answered promptly. Residents should have enough time to eat and take care of physical needs and receive help with those needs in a timely manner. If restraints are needed for patient safety, they should be checked regularly and removed according to agency and local guidelines.
The Right to Privacy
Caregivers may not share resident information unless necessary to provide proper care. When giving personal care, doors and curtains must be closed to avoid exposure and visitors must be asked to leave. Resident records must be stored securely and disposed of properly. Residents have the right to personal belongings and married couples have the right to privacy.
The Right to Make Decisions
Residents have the right to take part in the decision-making process for their care. They may see their medical and financial records. They may refuse care---including food, medicine and medical procedures---if they choose. They may choose and change caregivers as they see fit. They may (or may not) attend worship services and other events as they choose.
Rights Violations
If a resident or her family feels any of these rights have been violated, they should take the proper steps. If serious physical, mental, emotional or financial abuse is suspected, call the police or local social service agencies. Charges and/or lawsuits may be filed. For less serious concerns, consult the retirement home staff and administration. Staff members may be reprimanded or fired and friends and/or family members may be prohibited from contact with the resident.
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