What Are My Rights as a Nursing Home Resident?

Every nursing home resident has basic rights that elder care facilities must respect. When a violation of the rights of a nursing home resident occurs, serious injuries can result. As a result, residents and their families should be aware of the residents’ rights and how to best protect those rights. If it appears that a nursing home or other type of elder care facility is violating one or more rights of a resident, causing injury, then the resident may have legal recourse.

For instance, the Wisconsin Board on Aging and Long Term Care Ombudsman Program has published some basic rights that all facilities providing any level of care to elderly individuals should observe. These rights include the following:

• The right to be treated with courtesy, respect, and dignity
• The right to be free from humiliation, harassment, and threats
• The right to be free from financial, verbal, sexual, physical, and mental abuse from caregivers or from other residents
• The right to be free from any physical or chemical restraints for the purposes of discipline or convenience
• The right to privacy and confidentiality
• The right to make decisions about one’s own care and treatment program
• The right to receive information from the facility about charges and services available
• The right to voice grievances without repercussions or discrimination
• The right to remain in a facility unless health conditions necessitate a transfer or discharge
• The right to have the best quality of life possible
• The right to have visits from physicians, relatives, and friends
• The right to make independent decisions to the extent possible

The nursing home abuse and neglect lawyers of Boller & Vaughan are experienced in ensuring that nursing homes and other elderly care facilities refrain from violating  the rights of their residents. When a nursing facility violates a nursing home resident’s rights, and injury occurs as a result, the nursing facility may be liable for those injuries. We know how to investigate your case, assess your situation and determine whether you or your loved one has any potential claims against nursing home staff or the nursing home itself. Contact Boller & Vaughan today and learn how we can help you through this difficult situation.