Residents in a nursing home should be treated with respect and be informed of all the procedures in a facility. They should not be taken advantage of in any way. Nursing homes are intended to be a place where elderly or sick individuals can be guaranteed attentive and assisted care on an everyday basis. While the degree of care depends on each individual, none of them should be treated unfairly. They deserve to know their rights.
Before residents enter into a nursing home, they should be informed of their rights to enforce the laws that are there to protect them. They should be informed of all services and fees in writing before entering the home. Although residents are enrolling in this facility, they are still required to have a right to their own privacy. This includes keeping personal belongings. When being medicated, clients should be informed of their condition and any medications they are being prescribed to prevent any complications or confusion. Residents also have the right to refuse any treatment that is being offered to them.
What is the Nursing Home Reform Act?
The Nursing Home Reform Act ensures the safety of every individual that is housed in a nursing home facility. This act helps to protect the rights of each resident by looking out for their well-being. Under this act, nursing homes have guidelines and certain procedures that they must abide by and follow to be considered a proper home for elders. With these rules in place, families can be sure that their loved ones have rights to ensure their safety.
The act outlines services that are required in nursing homes to be established as a place for elders to live comfortably in a healthy environment. This includes periodic assessments for each client and a care plan for each member that keeps their best interests in mind. It also requires nursing, dietary, social, pharmaceutical and rehabilitation services.
Although there are laws in place to protect those in nursing homes, abuse or negligence can happen on behalf of the staff working in a facility. Some common forms of abuse include physical abuse through hitting, bed sores or ulcers from neglect, sexual assault and more. If a family member has been harmed in a nursing home, you should seek the legal advice of a professional attorney.
The experienced personal injury and medical malpractice attorneys at Trombly & Singer, PLLC are prepared to represent clients facing legal matters after being injured due to another person’s negligence. If you require strong legal representation in Washington D.C. or Maryland, contact our firm today to schedule a consultation.
