Every Resident has the Right…

1. to be treated with courtesy and respect in a way that recognizes their dignity and individuality, and to be free from abuse.
2. to live in a safe and clean environment.
3. to be properly sheltered, fed, clothed, groomed and cared for in a manner consistent with their needs.
4. to be informed as to who is responsible for and who is providing direct care.
5. to be given privacy during treatment and personal care.
6. to be informed of their medical condition and proposed course of treatment, to give or refuse consent,
7. to treatment, including medication and restraints, in accordance with the law, and to be informed of the consequences of giving or refusing consent,
8. to have the opportunity to participate fully in making any decision and/or to obtain an independent medical opinion concerning any aspect of their care,
9. to have their medical records kept confidential in accordance with the law,
10. to designate a person to receive information concerning any transfer or emergency hospitalization and to have that person informed immediately of such occurrence,
11. to designate a responsible party to act on their behalf in the event that health conditions preclude personal representation.
12. to receive rehabilitation and assistance towards independence consistent with their requirements and abilities, including selecting clothing worn each day and choosing recreational activities.
13. to have family present twenty-four hours per day when death is likely imminent.
14. to meet with their spouse in a room that assures privacy and, when both spouses are residents, to share a room according to their wishes, if an appropriate room is available.
15. to communicate in confidence and meet with their
    legal representative,
16. to receive visitors of their choice,
17. to consult in private with any person,
18. to form friendships,
19. to enjoy relationships without interference as desired.
20. to exercise their rights as a citizen and to participate in raising concerns or recommending changes in policies and services on behalf of themselves or other’s to the residents’ council, nursing home staff, government officials, or any other person inside or outside the nursing home, without fear of restraint, interference, coercion, discrimination or reprisal.
21. to exercise freedom of choice in religion, culture, language and other social interests and to be given reasonable accommodation to pursue these.
22. to keep and display personal possessions, pictures, and furnishings in their room which follow safety requirements and which respect other residents’ rights.
23. to be informed in writing of any law, rule or policy affecting the operation of the nursing home and of the procedures for initiating complaints.
24. to manage their own financial affairs when able to do so, and, when the resident’s financial affairs are managed by the nursing home, to receive a regular accounting of any transactions undertaken on their behalf and to be assured that their property is managed solely on their behalf.
25. to be given access to protected outdoor areas in order to enjoy outdoor activity, unless the physical setting makes this impossible.