Nursing homes can provide vital care for our elderly population, but navigating the legalities and ensuring proper treatment can be confusing. There are many misconceptions, and sometimes even questions like "Can a hospital kick out a dementia patient?" or "Can a nursing home refuse to take a patient back?" arise.

Thankfully, there are strong resident rights in place, and knowing the "25 things nursing homes don't want you to know" (which are actually things they're legally obligated to do!) can empower you to advocate for your loved one.

Resident Rights and Responsibilities: A Guide

Every nursing home resident has clearly defined rights and responsibilities. One crucial right is protection from neglect or abuse.

Here are basics things nursing homes are not allowed to do:

• Restraint Residents Unreasonably: Physical or chemical restraints can only be used in specific situations to ensure safety, and documented informed consent is mandatory. Nursing home abuse should be consistently monitored [Source: https://theconsumervoice.org/issues/recipients ].

• Discriminate in Care: Residents cannot be denied care based on race, religion, or source of payment [Source: https://theconsumervoice.org/issues/recipients ].

• Restrict Communication: Residents have the right to communicate freely with anyone, including family, friends, and legal representatives [Source: https://theconsumervoice.org/issues/recipients ].

• Force Medical Treatment: Residents have the right to refuse unwanted medical treatment, except in emergencies[Source: https://theconsumervoice.org/issues/recipients ].

• Take Away Possessions: Residents have the right to keep and use their personal belongings [Source: https://theconsumervoice.org/issues/recipients ].

Nursing homes are required to have a written policies and procedures manual outlining these resident rights and responsibilities, and it should be readily available for you to review.

The facility’s policies and procedures should include details like infection control, medicare and medicaid services options, medication administration, emotional abuse policies, health assessment policies, inhumane treatment policies, elder abuse policies, physical abuse policies, staffing levels policicies, and details on each of the nursing home staff members.

If you have any concerns, don't hesitate to speak with the nursing home staff or a resident advocate.

Considering Alternatives: The Comfort of Home Care

While nursing homes provide a valuable service, they may not be the best fit for everyone. Many seniors thrive in familiar surroundings, and nursing home issues can sometimes be avoided altogether by exploring in-home care options.

Home care allows your loved one to receive the care they need in the comfort and privacy of their own home. Caregivers can assist with daily living activities like bathing, dressing, medication management, and meal preparation. This personalized approach can significantly improve quality of life and well-being.

Affording In-Home Care: There May Be Help Available

The cost of home care vs nursing homes can be a concern, but there are ways to make it more affordable. Programs like Medicaid waivers can offer financial assistance for qualifying individuals [Source: https://www.medicaid.gov/medicaid/section-1115-demo/demonstration-and-waiver-list/index.html ].

Even more surprising, some states allow you to hire a family member, friend, or neighbor to provide care through programs offered by the VA or Medicaid waivers. This can be a fantastic option, allowing a loved one to receive familiar and trusted care while potentially reducing costs [Source: https://www.usa.gov/disability-caregiver].

Home care providers like Paid.care work specifically with family and friend caregivers to get them qualified, trained and paid as caregivers for loved ones.

The Takeaway: Knowledge is Power

Understanding resident rights and exploring alternatives like in-home care can ensure your loved one receives the best possible care. Don't be afraid to ask questions, review policies, and advocate for their well-being. By working together, we can navigate nursing home issues and ensure a safe and comfortable environment for our most vulnerable population.

If you want to discuss more “things nursing homes are not allowed to do” or are interested in learning more about becoming a paid family or friend caregiver, check your eligibility here. Alternatively you can reach out to a Paid.care’s Home Care Caregiver Coach.