Outside of a hospital, a nursing home is usually the greatest degree of care for older persons. Nursing homes provide custodial care, which includes support with getting in and out of bed as well as eating, cleaning, and clothing. Nursing homes, on the other hand, vary from other elder housing facilities in that they also provide the highest standard of medical treatments. Each patient's care is overseen by a licensed physician, and a nurse or other medical expert is almost always present. Skilled nursing care is normally available on-site 24 hours a day. Medical specialists are also accessible, such as occupational or physical therapists. This enables on-site medical procedures and therapies that wouldn't be possible in other types of housing.
Residents' Rights
The federal nursing home reform act of 1987 guarantees residents' rights. Personal dignity and self determination are highly emphasized in the law, which mandates nursing facilities to support and safeguard each resident's rights. Nursing homes that accept Medicare or Medicaid must comply with federal resident rights regulations. Residents' rights in nursing homes, senior care homes, licensed assisted living facilities, and other board and care homes are protected by state law or regulation in various states. A person in a long term residential institution has the same rights as anyone else in the association.
Nursing Home Patient’s Rights
Federal law empowers nursing home patients to make decisions with respect to their medical treatment and personal care.
Federal law guarantees the following:
- The right to share in the preparation of care as well as the right to reject such services. A nursing home resident requires a personalized care plan. Patients in nursing homes (or their representatives) may help improve this vital aspect of patient care.
- The right to privacy, as well as the right to be treated with respect and dignity. Patients in nursing homes are free to associate with whomever they want. Mates, colleagues, judges, and patient attorneys are all examples of this. Patients in nursing homes have the right to privacy while interacting with visitors. Patients in nursing homes have the right to open their own mail unless otherwise requested. Where appropriate, nursing home workers should use curtains or private areas to maintain privacy when bathing, toileting, and administering medical treatments.
- The right to have one's own doctor and/or pharmacy. Even though many nursing homes are set up to provide treatment in a "one size fits all" manner, patients should have the right to choose their own physician and pharmacy.
- The right to be free of encumbrances. Physical and medication restrictions are only allowed if a physician orders them and the patient or their caretaker agrees. Restraints should also only be used where they are absolutely required to protect the person or other patients from damage or injury.
- The right to know about the policies and practices of a nursing home. Each nursing home must have policies and procedures in place regarding patient care and expectations. A facility can provide you with a copy of such policies if you ask for one.
- The right to know about medical treatment and conditions. Nursing homes are required to inform each patient's or caregiver about their medical condition and the treatment that will be given. Nursing homes must notify all decision makers when and if there is a shift in treatment.
- The right to know what facilities. The facility offers and how much those services cost. Nursing homes must educate all patients of the particular services they offer, and the fees associated with those services.
- The right to be free of all forms of violence, including physical, neglect, and loneliness. Nursing homes are required to have the highest quality of treatment possible. Obviously, this entitles patients to a comfortable life free of all forms of physical and emotional violence.
- The right to remain in a nursing home as long as the facility is capable of meeting patient needs, payments are received on time, and the facility remains operational. In other words, nursing homes are not allowed to discharge patients for no reason. Nursing homes must have a justification for discharge or relocation to properly discharge patients. Patients have the right to appeal the nursing home's decision if they disagree with the rationale.
- The right to openly express one's dissatisfaction with medical treatment. Nursing homes are prohibited from retaliating against patients who file a complaint about their care or treatment.