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It’s crucial for patients and their families to understand that everyone in a nursing home has rights. A basic right is called “the right to patient/family self-determination.” What does that mean? It means that no one, including a nursing home, can tell another human being how to take care of himself. It also means that you should always demand the highest level of care for anyone living in a nursing home.

The Nursing Home Residents’ Bill of Rights carefully presents all the freedoms and protections that every nursing home resident should have. These rights clearly state that every resident is to be free of abuse, neglect and exploitation. The sad truth is that nursing home residents are sometimes helpless victims of the people in charge.

As a family member with medical power of attorney, you can take action. Assisted living negligence lawyers can help guide you through whatever action is needed to protect your elder, while demanding corrective action from the nursing home.

Find an attorney with a history of successful nursing home cases, and ask for his representation.  He will expertly guide you through the confusing language of the law and help you make the best decisions for your loved one. He’ll explain the survey process that nursing homes have to go through to be accredited to serve patients, and he will know which rules were broken and exactly how to correct them.

If you notice that your loved one is suddenly withdrawn, has unexplained bruises, complains of abuse, or is missing money or valuables, immediately make a report to the nursing home administrator. If you aren’t satisfied with the response, don’t hesitate to seek legal help.