Know the Rights of Sanibel Assisted Living Residents
When a resident enters a Sanibel assisted living facility for the first time, they are covered by an extensive list of rights. In 1987, the federal government passed the Nursing Home Reform Law that is used throughout Florida to make sure that residents are given the care and respect that they deserve. The law covers a lot of territory, but there are some main points it makes that every assisted living resident and their families should know.
Right to Upfront Information
At its core, an assisted living facility is a service company that charges for a variety of medical and personal services. Every resident has a right to know everything their assisted living facility charges for and what those charges will be. There should be no surprises for the resident or their family when they get the monthly bill.
All residents are to get upfront information, and any information regarding their assisted living facility, in their native language or a language they are comfortable with. The facility must also give a resident adequate notice before moving that resident to a new living arrangement within the same facility.
Complaining About the Facility
Every assisted living resident has the right to complain about their treatment or anything that upsets them when it comes to their assisted living facility. Each resident should be informed of the proper channels for filing a complaint and the facility must research and act upon the complaint without causing harm or discomfort to the resident.
Monitoring Their Own Care
The ability and right to have a say in their own care is a touchy subject for residents of assisted living facilities, their families, and the facilities themselves. A resident has the right to refuse to take medication, refuse treatment, refuse to be humanely restrained for their own protection, and actively take part in their own medical progress reporting. These laws often come into conflict with state laws regarding the quality of treatment required for patients who are unable to care for themselves. Most facilities know the processes that need to be followed to make sure a resident gets the care they need.
Self-Respect
Every assisted living facility resident has the right to expect to be treated with respect and dignity. There should be nothing done by the staff of the facility to diminish the resident’s feeling of self-respect and self-worth.
If you or a loved one are a resident in a Sanibel assisted living facility and you feel that your rights are being violated, then please give us a call as soon as possible. The Mattar Firm and our elder law attorneys have years of experience in these delicate matters and we are ready to make sure that your rights as a resident are being honored.