A facility should care for its residents in a manner and in an environment that promotes maintenance or enhancement of each resident’s quality of life. A resident should have a safe, clean, comfortable and homelike environment to live in.
In brief, residents’ rights in a long-term care facility are:
- To be informed of your rights, the rules and policies of the facility, and to be told of all services available and all costs, including those charges covered or not included in the basic rate
- To be informed of your health condition, to participate in planning care and treatment or refuse any treatment, and to have your personal and medical records treated as confidential
- To be transferred or discharged only after written notice is given and only for increased medical needs, health and safety or non-payment
- To be encouraged to exercise your rights as a resident and citizen; to complain and suggest without fear of coercion or retaliation
- To manage your financial affairs, or, if this is delegated, to receive regular accounting
- To be free of mental and physical abuse and of chemical and physical restraints
- To participate in social, religious and community activities, as possible
- To have your own clothing and possessions and be allowed to use them as space permits
- To have privacy for visits and telephone calls, and to send and receive personal mail unopened
