October is Resident Rights Month, a time to honor and empower individuals in long-term care facilities. It’s a month to reflect on these residents’ rights and to respect, protect, and celebrate them. As we highlight these essential rights, it’s also an opportunity to remind everyone that ombudsmen are here to help residents exercise their rights and navigate challenges within long-term care settings.
What Are Resident Rights?
Residents in long-term care facilities, such as nursing homes and assisted living communities, have federally protected rights to guarantee their dignity, respect, and autonomy. These rights empower residents to make decisions about their care, ensure they have access to information, and protect them from abuse or neglect. Key resident rights include:
- The Right to Be Treated with Dignity and Respect: Residents can live in a dignified environment, free from discrimination and with their individuality honored.
- The Right to Participate in Their Own Care: They have a say in their care plans, treatment options, and daily life. Residents can choose their schedules, activities, and routines.
- The Right to Privacy: Residents have the right to confidentiality regarding their medical and personal records and the freedom to communicate privately.
- The Right to Voice Concerns Without Fear of Retaliation: Residents can express their concerns without punishment. This includes when they’re unhappy with their care or the environment.
- The Right to Be Free from Abuse, Neglect, and Restraints: Protection from harm is fundamental. Residents must live in safe conditions where they are not subject to physical, emotional, or financial abuse.
The Role of Ombudsmen in Protecting Resident Rights
Ombudsmen advocate for individuals in long-term care. These trained professionals and volunteers ensure everyone involved in resident care knows and actively protects residents’ rights. Whether addressing complaints, resolving conflicts, or providing information about their rights, ombudsmen play a crucial role in safeguarding residents’ well-being.
Some of the ways ombudsmen assist include:
- Providing Information: Ombudsmen can help residents and their families understand their rights and the standards of care they are entitled to.
- Advocating for Resident Needs: Ombudsmen work closely with residents to ensure staff and family hear their voices. They also help resolve issues with care providers or facilities.
- Supporting Complaint Resolution: When problems arise, ombudsmen can mediate and help residents file complaints without fear of retribution.
- Monitoring Conditions: By visiting facilities and monitoring care, ombudsmen ensure that the conditions in long-term care settings align with the residents’ rights and regulations.
How You Can Help Celebrate Resident Rights Month
- Spread Awareness: Share information about resident rights with your community. Help others understand the importance of dignity, respect, and autonomy for those in long-term care.
- Support Ombudsmen Services: Encourage residents and families to contact ombudsmen when they need help or have concerns about their care. Ombudsmen are a vital resource for advocating on behalf of residents.
- Advocate for Change: Take a stand against practices that violate resident rights, such as ageism, abuse, or neglect. Join efforts to improve care standards in nursing homes and other facilities.
VOYCE is Here to Help
At VOYCE, we support the rights of long-term care residents through our ombudsman program. Our trained volunteers and staff are available to assist with any concerns or questions related to resident rights. We encourage anyone with questions or issues to contact our ombudsmen, ready to provide guidance, advocacy, and a listening ear.
This Resident Rights Month, let’s work together to ensure every resident’s rights are respected and their voices are heard. If you or someone you know needs help navigating long-term care issues, contact VOYCE today.
Let’s start the conversation on aging—because every resident deserves to live with dignity, respect, and the ability to exercise their rights.