When you enter a Nursing Home A nursing home, also called a long-term care facility, is a residential facility for people with chronic illness or disability. Nursing home services include room and board, nursing care, personal care, and therapy services. A skilled nursing facility (SNF) is a nursing home that provides skilled care, but not all nursing homes are SNFs. Medicare does not cover the cost of nursing homes that are not SNFs. , you have specific rights that protect your dignity and self-determination while you are a resident. These rights should be posted in a prominent place in the facility. The Nursing Home Reform Act of 1987 specifically says that you have the right to:
- Participate in the Plan of Care A plan of care is a doctor’s written plan describing the type and frequency of health services a particular patient needs. process*
- Make independent personal decisions and be informed about available choices
- Appoint a representative as your advocate who will be informed of your condition and care
- Appeal An appeal is a formal request for review if you disagree with an official health care coverage or payment decision made by a Medicare Advantage Plan, a Medicare private drug plan (Part D), or Original Medicare. Federal regulations and law specify appeals deadlines, processes for handling appeals, what information must be included in a decision, and the levels of review in the appeals process. any Discharge Discharge is the end to your stay as an inpatient in a medical institution such as a hospital or skilled nursing facility (SNF). or transfer notices
- Share a room with a spouse, partner, or relative if they are also a resident of the facility
- Communicate privately with anyone you choose
- Send and receive personal mail unopened
- Participate in your facility’s residence council
- Meet and participate with religious, social, and community groups
- Assemble and work with other residents or other individuals within or outside the facility to ask for improvements in patient care
- Be encouraged and assisted in exercising your rights as a citizen without fear of interference or discrimination for your actions
- Be free from physical and chemical restraints (drugs) imposed for purposes of discipline or convenience, and not required to treat your medical symptoms
*Nursing homes are required to assess your needs and create a written plan of care for you within 21 days of your admission. The goal of this plan should be to help you stay as independent as possible. You should to the extent possible be an active participant in the creation of this plan. Read over the plan and make sure you agree with it. You may also want to discuss the plan with your doctor and/or a family member or Caregiver A caregiver is anyone who provides help and support to someone who is either temporarily or permanently unable to function or someone who can function but not optimally. Most caregivers are unpaid, and are often a family member, friend, or neighbor. Formal caregivers are paid care providers or volunteers associated with a service system. to make sure it meets your medical needs.
If you have concerns about your facility, contact your state’s Long-Term Care Ombudsman The Long-Term Care Ombudsman is an independent advocate for nursing home and assisted living facility residents who provides information about how to find a facility and how to get quality care. Every state is required to have an Ombudsman Program that addresses complaints and advocates for improvements in the long-term care system. . An ombudsman is an advocate that can serve as a liaison between you and the facility. Ombuds programs can help you locate facilities in your area, troubleshoot problems, and answer other questions relating to your coverage and care.