Patient Rights

Residents’ Rights: A Pillar of Quality Care for the Aging Population

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Access to quality long-term care is critical for ensuring older adults can maintain functional abilities consistent with their basic rights, freedoms, and human dignity. As population aging continues to accelerate worldwide, meeting the rising demand for long-term care is set to be a global challenge facing many societies.¹ Creating a sustainable care system will help ensure seniors have access to quality services for decades to come. Caring for dependent seniors requires compassion, dedication, and advocacy to uphold the rights of every individual. It also demands a team approach and recognition of the caregivers who work tirelessly to support this vulnerable population.

Residents' Rights Guarantee Quality of Life

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The 1987 Nursing Home Reform Law set essential standards to ensure that nursing homes provide care that enhances residents' quality of life, emphasizing dignity, choice, and self-determination. Under this law, all nursing homes must provide services and activities designed to attain or maintain each resident’s highest practicable physical, mental, and psychosocial well-being. Collaborative care planning, with input from the resident and their family or legal representatives, ensures personalized and effective care. Residents should never experience a decline in health or well-being due to substandard care practices.²

The Five Most Crucial Rights for Elderly Residents in Care Homes

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Right to Dignity and Respect

Every resident deserves to be treated with dignity, respect, and compassionate care. Care homes must create an environment that honors individuality, preferences, and cultural backgrounds. This includes addressing residents by their preferred names, safeguarding their privacy, and involving them in decisions about their care.

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Right to Quality Care and Services

Residents have the right to care that meets their physical, emotional, and social needs. This includes access to nutritious meals, assistance with personal care, medication management, and opportunities for social and recreational engagement. Person-centered care tailored to each resident’s unique needs and preferences is the gold standard.³

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Right to Safety and Security

A safe and secure living environment is a fundamental right. Care homes must take measures to prevent accidents, falls, and abuse while ensuring residents' overall well-being. This includes maintaining emergency response plans, training staff to identify signs of neglect or exploitation, and acting promptly to address any concerns.

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Right to Autonomy and Independence

Elderly residents retain the right to make decisions about their own lives. Care homes should support autonomy by respecting residents’ choices, preferences, and rights to self-determination. Residents should be free to participate in activities they enjoy, engage socially, and decide on their daily routines and care plans.

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Right to Advocacy and Grievance Resolution

Residents have the right to advocate for themselves and seek resolutions to grievances. Care homes must establish clear policies for addressing complaints and feedback. Advocacy services or ombudsmen should be accessible to assist residents in protecting their rights and resolving issues.⁴

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Key Categories of Residents’ Rights

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Right to a Dignified Existence

• Be treated with respect, recognizing individuality.
• Freedom from abuse, neglect, exploitation, and restraints.
• A homelike environment with personal belongings.
• Equal access to quality care.
• Exercise rights without interference or discrimination.

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Right to Self-Determination

• Freedom to choose activities, schedules, healthcare providers, and treatment options.
• Participation in person-centered care planning that incorporates cultural preferences.
• Ability to organize and participate in resident or family groups.

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Right to Be Fully Informed

• Clear communication about care plans, treatments, and changes in health.
• Access to facility policies, state survey reports, and ombudsman contact information.
• Notices are provided in a language and manner the resident understands.

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Rights Regarding Financial Affairs

• Management of personal finances, including oversight of funds held by the facility.
• Transparency about services and their costs.
• Protection from being charged for services covered by Medicaid or Medicare.

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Right to Privacy

• Confidentiality in personal, financial, and medical matters.
• Private communication and undisturbed treatment.¹

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Upholding Residents' Rights

By upholding these rights, care homes and caregivers can create a supportive environment where seniors live with dignity and autonomy. Families and loved ones play a vital role in this process by staying informed, advocating for their relatives, and maintaining open communication with care home staff. Together, we can honor the lives of elderly residents and ensure they receive the respect and quality care they deserve.

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References

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1. Long-term care for older people: A global perspective. Accessed on January 2025.
2. Nursing Home Residents' Rights. Accessed on January 2025.
3. Person-Centered Gerontological Nursing: An Overview Across Care Settings. Accessed January 2025.
4. What are the five most crucial rights for the elderly? Accessed January 2025.

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