In any assisted living facility, there are a number of rights that you should know about. These rights are afforded to you by federal and state laws, and these rights are designed to help you live a safe and healthy life. Here are some crucial rights that you have in an assisted living facility, and a little bit about how they can help you.
Freedom of Choice
In an assisted living facility, residents have the freedom to choose how they want to live their lives. They can choose to be independent and live on their own, or they can choose to receive assistance with activities of daily living. Residents also have the freedom to choose the level of assistance they require, in terms of which services they receive and how often they receive them. For example, they can choose to have someone help them with laundry or cooking, or they can choose to do those things on their own. They can also choose to socialize with other residents or to keep to themselves. In an assisted living facility, residents have the freedom to live their lives the way they want to.
Privacy and Space
The residents of an assisted living facility have the right to privacy and confidentiality. This means that the staff of the facility must respect the residents’ privacy and keep their confidential information private. The residents have a right to have their personal belongings and rooms respected and to be treated with dignity and respect. The staff of the facility must provide the residents with the opportunity to make choices about their lives and to participate in the decisions that affect them.
Complaints
Complaints can be made about anything that affects the quality of life in the facility, including the standard of care, the food, the cleanliness, or the level of activities, and social interaction.
Making a complaint is not always easy, as many residents feel intimidated or afraid of retribution. However, it is important to remember that the staff of an assisted living facility are there to help and support residents, and that they will take any complaints seriously. If you have a concern or complaint, the best thing to do is to speak to a staff member directly, or to the manager of the facility.
Know and Be Informed of the Agreement
It is important to know and be informed of the agreement when moving into an assisted living facility. The agreement should include information on the level of care provided, the cost of care with a valid bill in the language understandable to you, and the rights of the residents. The residents should have the right to privacy, to choose their own activities, and to be dealt with care and respect. Another important aspect is to inform you within 30 days of the Medicare benefits they are offering to you.
Transfer and Discharge
In an assisted living facility, residents have the right to transfer or discharge from the facility at any time. However, the facility must provide written notice of the transfer or discharge to the resident and their family at least 30 days in advance. The facility must also provide the resident with a list of available resources to help them transition to a new living situation.
As you now have a basic overview of your rights as a resident in an assisted living facility, it is important to take the right step. With the services of Calandro Law, you will have an expert law firm by your side to help you go ahead and take care of your loved ones. Contact us today!
