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Know Your RightsOctober is Nursing Home Residents' Rights Month. Did you know that nursing homes and assisted living residents have rights defined in federal and state law? Well, they do have specific rights, and these rights are written to allow residents to be in charge of their care and daily life. For example, no staff at these homes can tell a resident when to go to bed, get up in the morning, or when to shower. Residents can choose what time of day they want to shower, retire to bed, and rise. Residents can also choose when and where they wish to eat, so they can eat in their rooms if they wish. Residents also have the right to refuse medical care and leave a home, even against medical advice. Residents have the right to participate in the development of a care plan focused on their individual needs and to have this plan reviewed with them at least quarterly. Nursing and assisted living homes are just that, they are a resident’s HOME, and therefore residents should be treated with the same dignity and respect afforded anyone living in a private home.

 

Ombudsman volunteers visit residents in nursing homes and assisted living homes to make sure their rights are upheld and that residents are getting the quality care and treatment they deserve. Getting to know residents is a fulfilling experience and brings a sense of safety and joy to residents. Even in these difficult times, making phone calls to residents and their families provide both with a sense that someone is looking our for them. If you are interested in becoming a volunteer:

For Portage, Stark, Summit, and Wayne Counties, contact Lynnette Witte Bryant at lwbryant@dhad.org or at 330-899-5251.
For Belmont, Carroll, Coshocton, Guernsey, Harrison, Holmes, Jefferson, Muskingum, and Tuscarawas Counties, contact Elissa Barr at ebarr@dhad.org or at 330-364-3465.
The Long Term Care Ombudsman Program, 1-800-421-7277, ext. 5251 // www.dhad.org

Click here for more information on Residents' Bill of Rights

Click here to view Ohio Revised Code Section 3721.13