Nursing home patients' rights are an important issue. Many nursing homes have a bad reputation because patients and their families feel they aren't treated with respect. Patients should know that they have the right to be treated as humanely as possible. They should also know what to do if those rights are violated.
Federal Laws
According to Medcare.gov, the U.S. government website for people on Medicare, patients have the right to respect; to be informed about services and fees; to manage their own money (or choose someone to do it for them); to privacy; and to be informed about their medical care (and to refuse it).
If a patient or his family feels his rights have been violated, he should consult the nursing home's administrator and document all information. If necessary, the patient may contact the police, social service agency or a local abuse hotline for further assistance. These agencies may also help you contact the state's nursing home ombudsman office. Ombudsmen investigate resident abuse claims in nursing homes.
Respect
In general, patients have the right to be called by the name they prefer, including nicknames or by formal names. They should not be used as subjects of ridicule by nursing home staff or visitors. They have the right to attend or not attend activities, such as worship services or field trips.
Patients have the right to not be abused or neglected. They should be fed, cleaned and changed promptly, and nursing home staff should not resort to violence or anger in dealing with them.
Restraints
The use of restraints is an important part of patient rights. Restraints (anything that restricts patient movement) should only be used to protect the patient as a last resort. Restraints (including vests, wrist wraps and bed side rails) must be checked regularly. They should be removed as soon as the risk has passed, or if signs of skin breakdown such as redness or chafing appear.
Services and Fees
Before entering a nursing home, the patient (or her family) must be presented with a written list of services and fees. They may accept or decline services as they see fit.
Money
Residents may spend their money as they choose. Nursing home staff must not borrow or take money or possessions from the resident. The nursing facility may keep a small amount of money for the patient in a banking system, with the patient's consent.
Privacy
Patients have the right to privacy, especially when personal care is given. Doors, privacy curtains and window blinds should be closed and visitors asked to leave when care is given. The patient should be allowed to keep his personal belongings, if they don't interfere with patient care or disturb other residents.
Patients also have the right to private visits with their spouses.
Medical Care
Patients have the right to refuse care and to be informed of all care when it is given.
Note: It is acceptable for nursing home staff to gently attempt to coax a patient to participate if he is mentally incapacitated. (For example, "Mrs. Smith, your daughter is coming to visit today. Wouldn't you like to take a shower so you look pretty for her?") However, physically coercing a clearly unwilling patient is not allowed.
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