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Freedom of Choice Runs Through Long-Term Care Residents’ Rights
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Freedom of Choice Runs Through Long-Term Care Residents’ Rights
for Free!
facilities have specific rights that are protected by state and federal law. In California, long-term care facilities fall into two categories:
Long-Term Care Ombudsman representatives can help residents and families with questions and concerns. A Long-Term Care Ombudsman is an advocate to protect the wellbeing and rights of residents living in long-term care homes and facilities. Ombudsman representatives provide confidential support and follow the expressed wish of the resident to make their own choices. Ombudsmans deliver information and assistance and work to resolve complaints made by or on behalf of residents.
For more information about residents’ rights, ask the staff at your loved one’s facility or contact the Long-Term Care Ombudsman office in your county.
Skilled nursing facilities. These are commonly called nursing homes, convalescent homes, rehabilitation centers, or wellness centers.
Residential care facilities. Often these are known as assisted living, board and care homes, or retirement homes.
For example, all long-term care residents have a right to choose how to spend their time. Their schedule preferences for waking, meals, and receiving visitors must be respected. If a resident prefers to stay up late and wake up late, they can — and they can request their meals be served around those times.
State and federal law spell out other rights including:
The right to privacy and confidentiality in communications, visits, and medical treatment.
The right to be fully informed of their rights, services available, and their own health condition in their preferred language.
The right to participate in a resident council to share issues and concerns about the facility.
The right to notice and planning for transfer or discharge, including a safe transfer or discharge plan.
The right to freedom from abuse, neglect, discrimination, and physical and chemical restraints.
If they complain about anything, long-term care residents must not face retaliation in any form. And residents continue with their rights to manage their money and their medical care.
All long-term care residents enjoy civil rights guaranteed to all citizens, including the right to vote. Residents may ask caregivers for assistance with:
Registering to vote
Completing a change of address form
Reading mail ballots and other election materials, without editorial commentary or persuasion
Mailing completed ballots
Transportation to polling places or ballot drop boxes on Election Day
Residents of long-term care
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When people move into long-term care, it takes some time to settle in and get comfortable. New residents can be preoccupied with learning routines and house rules established by dedicated, conscientious workers. But it’s important for residents and their families to be aware that all residents enjoy specific rights designed to respect their dignity and freedom of choice.
facilities have specific rights that are protected by state and federal law. In California, long-term care facilities fall into two categories: