Civil rights do not have limits to the workplace in West Virginia or across the country. Anyone who identifies under a protected status has a right to full protection under the laws that apply to said status. For example, discrimination isn’t just a workplace issue. Throughout the state, there are also housing discrimination problems, as well as prejudice and bias against vulnerable people in other environments, such as patients falling victim to nursing home abuse.
A nursing home cannot deny your loved one residency based on a discriminatory issue, such as race, age, gender, religious affinity or other identifying characteristics. A nursing home does not necessarily have to accept every applicant. However, denials must not occur in violation of civil rights laws.
Segregation may be a type of nursing home abuse
Your loved one has a right to safety and quality care when residing in a West Virginia nursing home. Nursing home abuse does not only refer to physical injuries. Mental, emotional and financial maltreatment also come under the nursing home abuse category. If your loved one has faced segregation from the other residents because of race, disability or other protected status issues, it constitutes as nursing home abuse.
If a nursing staff member or fellow resident is taunting or threatening your loved one due to race, gender, ethnicity or other discrimination issues, it is also a type of abuse. You may request an immediate consultation with administrators and request that they investigate the matter. If you meet with administrators and the problems keep recurring, you may want to seek additional support outside the nursing home, such as by calling the police.
Nursing home patients have rights
There is no excuse for nursing home abuse in West Virginia or anywhere. In addition to civil rights protection against discrimination, your loved one has additional rights while residing in a nursing home. For example, patients may refuse services or being a part of experimental research. If your loved one needs to fill a prescription, he or she may choose the pharmacy, provided it meets pricing and other regulatory requirements.
Your loved one has a right to receive all nursing home policies and information regarding fees and extra charges in writing. If your family member has suffered physical, emotional or economic damage due to discrimination or other nursing home abuse, you can seek immediate support from the proper authorities and legal advocates.
