As we continue to grow older, our parents and grandparents grow older as well. It is important to talk to them and understand what kind of care they would like to receive. Some parents are able to live on their own and still remain efficient. However, others cannot do so. They may be at risk of falling when no one is around or they may have health concerns. Due to these issues, it can be too difficult to bring older family members into your home and take care of them yourself. This is when nursing homes can be convenient. A nursing home can provide the care and attention that elders need so that they are able to live comfortably.
Unfortunately, abuse and negligence can be an issue within nursing homes. Some common forms of abuse include physical abuse through hitting, bed sores or ulcers from neglect, sexual assault and more. If you believe your family member has been harmed in a nursing home, consult an attorney for legal advice. Your loved one has rights that nursing homes cannot deny them. The nursing home staff may be held responsible for what happened to your loved one under their care.
What rights do individuals in a nursing home have?
Although some people may talk highly about nursing homes, other people have had bad experiences. However, there are laws in place to protect individuals that are in the care of a nursing home. Through the Nursing Home Reform Act, the federal government passed a minimum set of guidelines that each facility must abide by. This act was set to protect the quality of life for elders placed into the care of a nursing home’s staff. Certain procedures are outlined to ensure that elders are being treated properly and with the respect they deserve.
Through this act, there are required services, such as periodic assessments for each client, a care plan, nursing, dietary, social, pharmaceutical and rehabilitation services. All of these guidelines protect the rights of your family members that may be living in one of these homes.
Individuals that are living in nursing homes should be given a detail explanation of what to expect upon their residency in a nursing home. Residents in a nursing home should be informed of their rights before habitation. They should be informed of all services and fees in writing before entering the home. Residents have a right to their own privacy. This includes keeping personal belongings. When being medicated, they should be informed of their condition and any medications they are being prescribed. They should be informed in order to decide if they want to decline any treatment, which they have the right to do.
If you are in this situation, it is important to discuss this situation with an attorney. The attorneys at Timian & Fawcett, LLC provide effective legal services to clients in Prince George’s County, Washington, D.C. and all of Maryland. Our firm is dedicated to our clients. If you need our help, we are ready to serve. Contact Timian & Fawcett, LLC.
