Know the Rights of Fort Myers Assisted Living Residents
According to Title XXX, Chapter 429 of Florida’s statutes regarding the rights of assisted living residents in Florida, all residents cannot be deprived of their legal or civil rights, privileges or benefits guaranteed by the Constitution of the United States and the Constitution of the State of Florida. Some of the most important rights listed in the statute include:
- The right to live in a decent, safe environment where you are treated with respect, dignity and consideration for your privacy
- The right to keep and use your personal property in your living quarters
- The right to have access to private, unrestricted communications (sending, receiving unopened mail, access to phones and visiting anyone you wish)
- The right to manage your financial affairs if you have not been assigned a representative such as an attorney or guardian.
- The right for spouses to share a room when they live in the same assisted living facility.
- The right to exercise your religious and civil liberties (this includes personal decisions and religious practices)
- The right to be given a notice of at least 45 days before you are relocated or terminated from an assisted living facility.
- The right to file a grievance without fear of retaliation by the assisted living facility in which you reside.
Most assisted living facilities in Fort Myers and elsewhere in Florida abide by these rules and provide excellent medical and supportive care for their residents. Unfortunately, there are instances where an assisted living facility does not adhere to Florida’s statutes regarding a resident’s rights. In many cases, complaints from residents about an assisted living facility involve lack of adequate medical care, abuse of residents by staff and not allowing residents to exercise their right to manage their own financial affairs.
If you have a loved one living in an assisted living facility in Florida who may have had one or more of their rights violated, call The Mattar Firm today to schedule a consultation appointment with a elder law lawyer to discuss options regarding the well-being of your loved one.