When you make the decision to place your loved one in a nursing home, it is with the expectation that the facility and those employed there will provide quality care. While most West Virginia nursing home residents receive good care and medical treatment, that is not always the case.
If you believe your loved one experienced a violation of his or her rights while living in a nursing home, you have the right to speak out on his or her behalf. No matter how sick or incapacitated nursing home residents may be, they still have rights, including the right to safety and acceptable care. Victims of any type of mistreatment in a nursing home could have a valid claim to financial compensation.
What nursing home residents need to know
Regardless of a patient’s mental or physical capacity, he or she has certain rights and lawful entitlements. Residents of nursing homes have the following rights:
- The right to medical care and the right to choose their own doctor
- The right to see family members, doctors and other representatives as needed
- The right to apply for Medicare or Medicaid
- The right to keep their medical records and personal information private
- The right voice complaints and report grievances without fear of repercussions
- The right to be informed of their medical treatment
- The right to live in a facility that is free from abuse, neglect and mistreatment
Of course, victims of physical abuse experienced in nursing homes have the right to speak up and speak out against this type of treatment, but this is also the case when they experience a violation of their legal or medical rights, as well as neglect or emotional abuse.
If your loved one cannot speak for himself or herself, you have the right to do so. When you suspect abuse, neglect or a violation of the rights of your family member, you would be wise to act quickly to secure the help you need to hold liable parties accountable.
Fighting for your loved one
Whether you want to seek compensation for your loved one after experiencing mistreatment in a nursing home or you simply want an explanation of the rights of individuals who live in these types of facilities, you have no time to lose. You would be wise to take quick action to seek an explanation of your options and take the steps that are most appropriate for your situation.
