When you seek the services of a nursing home, it is because you want to grow old while receiving the best care possible. Under the state’s laws, nursing facilities must provide a set quality of care and adhere to the “Bill of Rights for Residents” established by the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services.
Here are four essential residents’ rights in Missouri nursing homes and what they mean:
Right to dignity and respect
As a resident, you must be always treated by your health care providers with dignity. This means being respected for your religious beliefs, being given nutritious meals, being addressed by your preferred name and receiving quality care that is free from abuse or neglect.
Right to make health care decisions
As a resident, you can review and take part in your own plan of care and treatment options. You may also manage your health care-related decisions or appoint someone as your representative. Besides this, you can also request your physicians’ contact details.
Right to be free from restraint
As a resident, you must be free from physical or chemical restraints, unless the medical procedure is necessary for your condition. However, it is important to remember that being given a drug as a form of chemical restraint must still have your or your representative’s consent.
Right to access care information
As a resident, you must regularly be informed of your health status and living arrangements. You are also free to ask your health care providers about the benefits and risks of your medical treatments.
To grow old with dignity
When you understand what your rights are as a nursing home resident, you can recognize potential signs of abuse within your nursing home facility. This not only empowers you to protect your rights but also helps safeguard the other residents from mistreatment or danger.