Resident Rights
Rights are not rewards
Resident rights come from federal law (OBRA) and state rules, and they apply to every resident regardless of behavior, payment source, or length of stay. Core rights include dignity and respect; privacy during care and visits; confidentiality of records and conversations; choice of activities, schedule, food, roommate, and physician; the right to refuse treatment; freedom from abuse, neglect, exploitation, and inappropriate restraint; keeping and using personal possessions and money; sending and receiving mail; private phone calls; visits; religious practice; voicing grievances without retaliation; access to an ombudsman; and being informed of and consenting to care.
Where the traps hide
- Restraints: never for convenience or discipline; only with a physician's order for a specific medical need, using the least restrictive option, released and repositioned regularly.
- Refusal: a competent resident may refuse a shower, medication, or meal. Respect it, offer again later, document, and report - never force, threaten, or bribe.
- Confidentiality: do not confirm to a caller that someone is a resident, and do not discuss one resident with another.
- Property: do not borrow, "hold," or remove anything; follow facility policy for valuables.
- Abuse: you are a mandated reporter - report suspicion immediately, including bruising, fearfulness, or a disclosure.
Rule of thumb
Knock, identify yourself, explain, and ask permission before you touch a resident or their belongings.
Worked example
A resident with mild dementia refuses her bath and says, "Not today." You do not argue or force. You say, "That's your choice. Can I bring you a warm washcloth and fresh clothes?" Then you document the refusal and report it so the nurse can assess for pain, fear, or illness.