When a loved one can no longer be cared for at home, some families may need to seek out a nursing home who can provide for their loved one’s needs. In Indiana, nursing home residents have specific rights that families should be aware of.
Residents have the right to be treated with dignity and respect, as well as communicate with people inside and outside of the nursing home facility. They must be free from abuse and neglect, which includes being placed in involuntary seclusion, restrained without a medical reason and subjected to corporal punishment.
Treatment
Residents should be fully informed of their treatment plan, including their health status and the expected outcomes of the care they will receive. They also have the right to be informed in advance of changes to the care plan, have the right to refuse or discontinue treatment and have control over their medical records.
Personal rights
They have the right to retain and use personal possessions, to receive services with reasonable accommodations and participate in activities. Residents should have a safe, clean, comfortable and homelike environment including supports for daily living. They are also entitled to privacy in their housing arrangements.
When exercising any of their rights, they must be free from interference, coercion, discrimination and reprisal from the facility. This also applies to grievances that are made with respect to care, treatment and the behavior of staff.
Despite these requirements, sometimes a loved one is injured or neglected by the nursing home facility. This includes physical injuries as well as frequent illnesses, dehydration, bed sores and personality changes.
If family members are concerned about their loved one’s well-being in a nursing home, an experienced attorney can help.