When entering a nursing home, whether for short- or long-term care, residents often find themselves in a vulnerable position. For some, nursing home stays are temporary, and for others, it is the best long-term care option. For any transition in life, especially one as important as long-term care, it is important to understand your legal rights as a nursing home resident in Pennsylvania. Every individual deserves to be treated with respect and compassion upon entering a nursing home or facility.
Unfortunately, it is not uncommon for some nursing home residents to face neglect or abuse. To prevent that, laws are in place to protect the health and safety of residents across facilities. There are risks of financial exploitation, but most importantly, health and safety exploitation. As a nursing home resident, there are regulations in place to protect you from being exploited and ensure you have access to the care and services you need. In Pennsylvania, your rights are protected and respected by the law as you enter any care facility.
Proper care and being shown dignity and respect are protected values in all nursing home facilities, and if you or a loved one has been denied those values, you have the right to speak out. Various bills are being introduced to protect rights in nursing home facilities and ensure safety across facilities. Safety from abuse and neglect, access to social services, respect, and the right to participate in care are protected under the Nursing Home Reform Act. With other measures in place, the rights of those in nursing homes and other vulnerable settings are protected. The right to personal and financial privacy is often abused, but all residents have the right to manage their affairs and property as they and their caregiver see fit. Lawyers at DLP Law Firm are trained to assist you in any nursing home exploitation you have faced.
For residents enrolled in plans through the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), they outline rights that their users must be allowed. The CMS requires nursing homes to inform residents of all expected fees and charges, display how to use CMS benefits, not charge entrance fees under their plans, and provide safety inspection records upon patient request. The National Council on Aging shares this information, along with the financial and privacy rights of those in nursing home facilities across the country.
The right to share your experience is valued, and if you or a loved one has faced any of the above issues or your rights have been exploited, you have the right to report unfair treatment. The National Council on Aging, along with many other organizations, encourages residents and loved ones of residents to advocate for themselves and others in vulnerable positions.
Trusted Nursing Home & Long-Term Care Lawyers for 40+ Years
If you know of someone who has been neglected or injured while a resident of a nursing home or long-term care facility, have them contact the lawyers at DLP, who have been representing nursing home abuse victims for over forty years. We at DLP Law Firm can protect you against nursing home-related issues. Remember— Injury? Call DLP! (570) C-A-L-L-D-L-P.
Links:
- https://downloads.cms.gov/medicare/your_resident_rights_and_protections_section.pdf
- https://www.ncoa.org/article/what-are-my-rights-in-a-nursing-home/
- https://ombudsman.ablelaw.org/resources/know-your-rights-as-a-long-term-care-resident/#:~:text=If%20you%20live%20in%20a,and%20consideration%20at%20all%20times
