Nursing Home Rights

Your Rights in an Ohio Nursing Home

Nursing home residents have rights under federal law, as well as under Ohio law. These rights not only help ensure that nursing homes guide their care with compassion, they also protect the residents’ dignity and privacy. When nursing homes and caregivers violate these rights, elderly residents can experience extreme suffering and harm.

If you believe that your loved one’s rights have been violated in a nursing home, it is important to speak to an experienced Ohio nursing home abuse lawyer immediately to prevent further abuse from occurring.

Federal Nursing Home Rights

Federal law outlines the rights nursing home residents have when entering into a facility. As elderly residents require more care, they can become vulnerable to abuses by caregivers. These rights help residents maintain a safe and independent lifestyle for as long as possible, and seek to prevent them from a suffering a decreased quality of life as they age.

Contact Our Ohio Nursing Home Abuse Lawyers Today

Learning that your loved one has been a victim of nursing home abuse is devastating and can a difficult and trying time for many families. While trying to protect your loved one from abuse, you may also be trying to seek compensation for the harm their abusers have caused. When this occurs, we can help. At Anzellotti, Sperling, Pazol & Small, we know that negligent and irresponsible institutions and caregivers can cause lasting damage to the patients in their care. That’s why we work tirelessly for all our nursing home abuse clients. Call us today at (330) 792-6033 or fill out our confidential contact form for a free initial consultation and review of your case. With offices conveniently located in Youngstown, Warren, Columbiana, and Cleveland, we are here when you need us.
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When A Nursing Home Resident’s Rights are Violated

If you believe that your loved one’s rights have been violated, it is important to report this violation immediately. Report quality of care issues and concerns to the supervisor at your loved one’s facility, as well as the Ohio Department of Health.

Nursing home complaints are investigated by the Bureau of Survey and Certification and they help to ensure that Ohioans residing in nursing homes are provided a safe environment and high quality of care.

To report patient abuse or neglect, it is also important to contact the Ohio Attorney General, as well as the Ohio State Long-Term Care Ombudsman. You should also contact an experienced and skilled Ohio nursing home abuse lawyer immediately.

Ohio Nursing Home Patient Bill of Rights

The state of Ohio also outlines the rights of a patient in a nursing home anywhere in the state. This law is known as the Ohio Nursing Home Bill of Rights and it lists 32 separate rights. Some of the rights include the right to:
  • Live in a safe a clean environment
  • Live free from physical, verbal, mental and emotional abuse
  • Have access to appropriate medical treatment and care without discrimination
  • Prompt responses to reasonable requests and inquiries
  • Receive bed sheets and clothing changes to ensure comfort and sanitation
  • Receive the name of any physician or caregiver
  • Be free of chemical or physical restraints
  • Retire and rise on own schedule
  • Observe own religious obligations and activities
  • Privacy during any examination, treatment, or care of personal or bodily needs

According to Medicare, nursing home residents have rights that include, but are not limited to:

  • The right to be treated with dignity and respect
  • The right to be informed of services
  • The right to be informed of feeds prior to entering facility
  • The right to manage your own money
  • The right to privacy
  • The right to keep personal belongings and property
  • The right to be informed about medical condition and medication
  • The right to see your own doctor
  • The right to refuse medications and treatments
  • The right to a choice over your own schedule and activities
  • The right to an environment that feels like home
  • The right to be as independent as possible with as little assistance as is safe