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This content is for informational purposes only and is not intended to provide legal advice.
In the United States, there are over 7 million assisted living facilities. These facilities provide various services and accommodations to seniors who need help with daily activities, such as bathing and dressing. Unfortunately, even in well-run assisted living facilities, preventable accidents can happen along with numerous types of negligence.
Even with the highest level of vetting, the most prestigious assisted living facilities can sink to levels of misconduct and neglect, and when they do, they must be held accountable. You need to know your rights if something happens to you or a loved one in a nursing home.
Negligence in Nursing Homes
Nursing homes are places where older adults should be able to live in comfort and safety. However, people can be susceptible to accidents and injuries. When evidence shows injuries due to neglect by the facility, that’s when you should act immediately. Call the police, make a report, and contact a Baltimore nursing home abuse attorney. It could save lives.
The Rights of Nursing Home Residents
Nursing home residents have some vital legal rights they should know about:
The Right to Be Free From Abuse
Nursing home residents have rights against mistreatment, which means they cannot be subjected to physical abuse, neglect, or emotional abuse. This includes being denied proper food and water or medical treatment. Nursing homes are required by law to take reasonable measures to protect residents from abuse and neglect.
The Right to Refuse Treatment
Nursing home residents can choose to refuse any treatment, whether it’s medical or not. If you believe that a loved one has been abused or neglected, it is crucial to take action. Contact a lawyer for legal support.
The Right to Informed Consent
This means that residents must be aware of their rights and be able to give informed consent if they want treatment or services. This includes procedures like surgeries, tests, and treatments.
The Right to Privacy
The right to privacy means that nursing home residents have the right to keep their personal information private, including medical records and mental health information.
The Right to Be Free From the Restriction of Movement
Nursing homes are required by law to take reasonable measures to protect residents from being restrained or isolated from others.
The Right to Be Free From Discrimination
Nursing home residents have the right not to be discriminated against based on their age, sex, race, religion, or disability.
The Right to Communicate With Friends and Family
Nursing homes are required by law to allow residents the opportunity to communicate with family and friends.
Signs of Negligence Towards Residents
Here are some behaviors to be keenly aware of when a nursing home patient comes forward or shows signs of abuse or neglect:
Signs of Neglect
With neglect, older adults may not receive the proper care necessary for their well-being. This could mean the mismanagement of their medications or improper attention to their hygiene. This can also include not being fed or appropriately hydrated, not getting enough exercise, or not being taken to a doctor.
The signs of neglect include:
- Increased confusion
- Lethargy
- New medical conditions
- Bedsores
Signs Intentional Misconduct
Someone in charge of the assisted living facility may intentionally cause harm to an older adult to gain an advantage or punish them. This could involve stealing money from an elderly resident, attacking them physically, verbally, or emotionally, and can include sexual misconduct. If you notice the following signs, your loved one might be a victim:
- Fearful behavior
- Seclusion
- Bruising
- Other injuries
Seek Legal Assistance
The legal rights of nursing home residents can be complex. If a loved one was the victim of abuse or negligence by the nursing home staff or fellow residents, it is crucial to have an attorney on your side. If anyone you know is being abused in a nursing home or assisted living facility, please immediately contact the police.
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