Advocating for Dignity and Respect in Nursing Homes: What Residents Need to Know

The central mission of Virginia’s State Long-Term Care (LTC) Ombudsman Program is to advocate for those who depend on long-term care services, whether in nursing homes, assisted living facilities or through home and community-based care.

At the center of that advocacy is the commitment to ensuring that every LTC recipient is treated with dignity and respect as a valued member of our society. The very principles that are the foundation of our country and our culture are rooted in individual rights to freedom and ‘pursuit of happiness’ – and the recognition of the inherent dignity and worth of each person. Such rights do not end when you enter a nursing home.

The Nursing Home Reform Law of 1987, which sets out the fundamental standards for nursing home care, recognizes that the rights of nursing home residents are critical to support both quality of care and quality of life for residents. Most basic among these is the right to be treated with dignity and respect, which has profound effects on our physical, mental, and psycho-social well-being. It costs nothing but, in many ways, means everything in terms of how residents experience daily life.

Sadly, we find that too often residents are not treated with the dignity and respect they so deserve. Addressing such concerns is a part of the daily work of ombudsmen. Residents also need to be aware of these rights, so that if their rights are overlooked or disregarded, they can advocate for themselves effectively. Here are some basic tips to be an effective selfadvocate:

General steps to self-advocate to protect your rights:

1. Know your rights: Familiarize yourself with your rights, including the right to personal privacy, the right to be treated with dignity and respect, the right to participate in your care plan, and the right to be free from abuse and neglect. (For a comprehensive list of resident rights, refer to Medicare’s guide on nursing home residents’ rights.)
2. Communicate clearly and assertively: Effective communication is key to advocating for yourself. Here are some tips:
   • Be specific: Clearly describe the issue you are facing. Instead of saying, “I feel disrespected,” provide specific examples such as, “My privacy was violated when staff entered my room without knocking,” or “My nurse scolds me like a child when I ask a question about my medications or care plan.”
   • Stay calm and respectful: Approach conversations with a calm demeanor, even when you are upset. This helps in maintaining a constructive dialogue.
   • Document your concerns in specifics: Keep a record of incidents, including dates, times, and names of those involved. Written documentation strengthens your case when addressing issues with the administration.
3. Use the chain of command
   If you experience disrespectful treatment, start by discussing your concerns directly with that person – letting them know how their way of interacting with you makes you feel. If the issue is not resolved, escalate it to that person’s supervisor or the facility’s Director of Nursing, administrator, or social worker. The nursing home should have a facility-specific grievance procedure in place to handle such concerns.
4. Involve your support network
   Family members and friends can be powerful advocates. Keep them informed about your situation and encourage them to participate in care meetings if you wish or ask if they might communicate with the facility along with you or on your behalf.
5. Participate in the Resident Council
   Resident councils provide a collective voice for addressing issues within the nursing home. Attend meetings and share your experiences. Others may be encountering similar problems and concerns. Working together with other residents can lead to more effective advocacy and improvements.
6. Contact the Long-Term Care Ombudsman
   If internal efforts do not yield satisfactory results, reach out to the LongTerm Care Ombudsman Program. As your advocate, the ombudsman can help resolve disputes, provide information about your rights, and can partner with you in working with the nursing home to address your concerns. For more information, visit the Virginia State Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program

Taking Proactive Steps

Beyond addressing issues as they arise, you can take proactive steps to ensure your dignity and respect:

An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.

• Build relationships: Establish positive relationships with staff members. Mutual respect often leads to better care.
• Stay informed: Keep yourself updated on policies and changes within the facility.
• Educate others: Encourage fellow residents to learn about their rights and advocate for themselves. A community of informed residents is more likely to foster a respectful environment.

In summary…
Every nursing home resident has the right to be treated with dignity and respect. By understanding your rights, communicating effectively, involving your support network as needed, and utilizing available resources, you can help ensure you receive respectful treatment. Remember, the Virginia Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program is here to support you in upholding your rights and dignity, and promoting your right to care that enhances your quality of life.

For further reading and resources, please visit:

• Medicare’s guide on nursing home residents’ rights
• Virginia State Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program

Together, we can ensure a respectful and dignified living environment for all nursing home residents.