The prospect of living in a nursing home is one that often met with dread because it signifies the loss of freedom and independence. It’s important for anyone considering a nursing home to know that residents do have rights that are protected by law. Any violation of these rights should be reported immediately.
A nursing home resident:
- Has the right to privacy.
- May go to bed and to get up whenever he or she wants to.
- May choose what to wear, what activities to do, and how to spend his or her time.
- May bring his or her belongings from home, and the nursing home staff must assist in protecting those belongings.
- May eat whatever he or she wants outside of designated meal times. The nursing home must provide a choice at meal times to accommodate individual needs and tastes.
- May belong to any religious or social group they choose.
- Has the right to manage his or her own finances
- Has the right to participate in the planning of their care.
- A nursing home may not move a resident to another room, nursing home, hospital or any other place without prior notice and without the opportunity to appeal their decision.
