|
Nursing HomesIn recent years, the public has become very aware of abuse, neglect and health care falling below the bare minimum standards in nursing homes and assisted care facilities. While there are statutes and regulations governing the care of the residents in nursing homes, violations of these standards are still prevalent in the industry. The vulnerable elderly population needs advocates to protect their rights and to try to make certain that nursing homes caring for them are held to strict standards to ensure dignity and quality of life for their residents and to prevent nursing home neglect and abuse. Filing a nursing home lawsuit may be one way to accomplish those goals.
Nursing Home Resident's RightsMany people who have loved ones in nursing homes are not aware of the resident's rights or of the family's rights. Federal law mandates certain things, under regulations like the Resident's Bill of Rights. For example, this Bill of Rights states "The resident has a right to a dignified existence, self-determination, and communication with and access to persons and services inside and outside the facility." Also, a resident's records from the nursing home must be available for inspection within twenty-four hours of a request to see them, and copies must be made available within forty-eight hours after that. (Excluding weekends and holidays, and copies must be purchased.) Another example is that a facility must immediately inform the resident; consult with the resident's physician; and if known, notify the resident's legal representative or an interested family member when there is an accident involving the resident which results in injury and has the potential for requiring physician intervention.Residents in nursing homes also have a right to a certain quality of care. According to the federal regulations, "Each resident must receive and the facility must provide the necessary care and services to attain or maintain the highest practicable physical, mental, and psychosocial well-being, in accordance with the comprehensive assessment and plan of care. If you think that your family member is a victim of Nursing Home Abuse, contact injury attorney Joseph Silver to discuss your case. |
