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What's Your Question About Nursing Homes?
By Sherry Culp - October, 2011
Question
I’ve always been an independent person, but as I get older I need more and more help. I feel like I’m going to need a nursing home soon. I don’t want people telling me what to do all of the time. Are there nursing homes that take care of people, but let you live your own life?
Answer
Yes, but it helps if you are aware of your rights as a resident and assert them. Every nursing facility operating under the Nursing Home Reform Law enacted in 1987 by the U.S. Congress is required to promote and protect the rights of each resident. The facility must create an environment that is respectful of the right of each resident to exercise his or her autonomy regarding what the resident considers to be important parts of his or her life. The law places an emphasis on individual dignity and self-determination. A nursing home is supposed to be a home-like environment which means while living there you have the right to: Choose activities, schedules, and health care consistent with your interest, assessments, and plans of care; Interact with members of the community both inside and outside the facility; and Make choices about your life. Don’t forget that the Ombudsman agency is there for you every step of the way. Just give us a call and we will answer your questions about selecting a nursing home. Once you move in we will come by and visit with you. We might even be your first official visitor. We can help you exercise your rights and feel at home.
Question
The majority of people from our club are now in the nursing home. I wish they could still participate in our club gatherings. Is there anything that can be done?
Answer
Yes, something can be done. Since the majority of your club members are now residents of the nursing home, you should talk with those residents and consider moving your club meetings to the nursing facility. I’ve seen numerous bridge, social, religious, political, and service clubs/organizations hold regular meetings at area nursing facilities. Good nursing homes are eager to welcome clubs and groups from the community because they know it is important to connect residents with the community plus they get to show off their services and facilities. Residents not only have the right to participate in their communities they also have the right to privacy and confidentiality. Personal privacy includes accommodations, medical treatment, written and telephone communications, personal care, visits, and meetings with family and resident groups, but this does not require the facility to provide a private room for each resident. Privacy includes full visual, and, to the extent desired, for visits or other activities, auditory privacy. Arrangements for private space could be accomplished through cooperation between the facility's administration and resident or family groups so that private space is provided for those requesting it without infringement on the rights of other residents. Privacy for visitation or meetings might be arranged by using a dining area between meals, a vacant chapel, office or room, or an activities area when activities are not in progress.
Question
Voting has always been important to my father. He served on our city council for years, and has been involved with almost every election I can remember. A few months ago he moved into a nursing home, and is unable to get to the polls this year. Can he still vote even if he is in a nursing home?
Answer
Absolutely! Nursing home residents have the right to cast their votes in local and national elections. Some residents actually go to the polls while others use absentee ballots. It is very important to remember a few key dates in applying for a mail-in absentee ballot form. Forms may be picked up at the county clerk’s office, or by contacting the facility social worker.
This column is presented as a public service of the Nursing Home Ombudsman Agency of the Bluegrass. If you have a question, send it to:
Sherry Culp
Nursing Home Ombudsman Agency
1530 Nicholasville Rd.
Lexington, KY, 40503