Residents of any long-term care facility have rights.  Whether it's a nursing home, group home, or convalescent center, every resident has rights so that each individual can keep his or her dignity, respect and value.

Resident Rights

The right to confidentiality, privacy and respect

The right to be fully informed

The right to participate in one's own care

The right to keep possessions

The right to manage one's own finances

The right to purchase goods and services

The right to voice grievances

The right to communicate freely

The right to participate in activities

The right to be free from abuse and restraint

The right to marital priveleges

The right to remain in the facility

What Resident Rights Mean

Resident rights mean that all residents have every human right that most citizens in our society enjoy.  Each enjoys the right to have their medical and financial records kept confidential, meaning staff can't share pertinent information with any one else.

Residents can be involved in their care and have input on choices about treatment.  They have the right to know what is going on with their condition, what diagnosis have been made, and their prognosis.

Whether they buy items from a store within the facility or enjoy outings to nearby shops, every resident has the right to spend money and buy things.  They also can manage their own money including keeping their own checkbook.  If things are not going well or problems are spotted within the facility, residents have every right to speak up and complain.  There must be ongoing activities that they can participate in if they so choose.  Spouses can share a room and be as intimate as they wish to be.

Communication is a vital human need and residents have the right.  If communication is difficult due to a health condition or disability, assistance in communication must be provided.

No resident should be mentally or physically abused.  Restraints are sometimes used in long term care facilities but residents have the right to refuse such devices.