The Cochran Firm Legal Blog

Due to the fact that hundreds of thousands of nursing home residents are abused and neglected daily in our nation’s facilities, there are laws in place to protect these horrifying incidents from occurring. While nothing can put an end to the abuse inflicted on our nation’s elderly, being aware of senior rights may help to minimize the despicable acts that have taken place in nursing homes and assisted living facilities for decades.

Nursing homes and long-term care facilities must comply with federal regulations and laws if they receive federal funding. These laws outline, specifically, the type and quality of care that residents must receive in these facilities. In the 80’s, Congress answered the call to put laws in place to protect our elderly loved ones. In 1987, Congress passed the Nursing Home Reform Act. If your elderly loved one is in a nursing facility, you should be aware of their rights outlined in this act. In order to participate in Medicare or Medicaid, residents' rights requirements must be met.

• Right to be fully informed
• Right to participate in their own care
• Right to make choices
• Right to privacy and confidentiality
• Right to dignity, respect and freedom
• Right to security of possessions
• Right to transfer and be discharged
• Right to complain
• Right to visits

Labels: main