Education
Honoring National Residents’ Rights Month in Indiana
The transition into a long-term care community is a big step, not just for the residents, but for their entire family too.
October is National Residents’ Rights Month, an annual observance led by The National Consumer Voice for Quality Long-Term Care. It’s a time for all of us—caregivers, families, and residents—to stop and think about our commitment to the rights that protect those in skilled nursing and assisted living communities.
In this post we discuss:
- What are Residents’ Rights?
- Key Rights for Every Resident
- Our Commitment in the Care of Community
- Resources for Indiana Residents and Families
- Continuing the Conversation
What are Residents’ Rights?
Established by the federal Nursing Home Reform Act of 1987, residents’ rights are not just guidelines; they are legally protected standards of care and quality of life. They ensure that a person doesn’t lose their sense of self or their basic civil liberties when they move into a long-term care facility.
The Legal Foundation of Residents’ Rights in Indiana
Here in Indiana, these protections are further detailed in state law. The Indiana Administrative Code (410 IAC 16.2-5) outlines the state laws regarding residents’ rights. These regulations are a key part of the nursing facility requirements for licensure and certification, meaning a facility must uphold these rights to operate. While the language can differ slightly, similar protections extend to assisted living facility residents and those in settings like adult family care homes, ensuring a consistent standard of dignity across the board.
Key Rights for Every Resident
These rights empower residents to be active participants in their own lives. Whether in a skilled nursing facility or an assisted living community, these core protections are universal.
Right to Dignity, Respect, and Freedom
This is the foundation of all other rights. It means being treated with consideration and having one’s individuality recognized and celebrated. It includes:
- Being free from all forms of abuse, neglect, and chemical or physical restraints.
- The ability to make personal choices, such as when to wake up, what to wear, and which activities to participate in.
- The safeguarding of personal funds, with the right to manage one’s own finances.
Right to Be Fully Informed
Knowledge is empowering. Residents have the right to be informed about every aspect of their care and environment in a language they can understand. This includes:
- Information about their medical condition and any changes to it.
- The type of care to be provided, and the risks and benefits of proposed treatments.
- Access to all facility rules, state inspection reports, and a clear explanation of all service costs.
Right to Make Complaints
Every resident must have a way to express concerns without the fear of punishment or retaliation. This powerful right ensures that facilities are held accountable. It includes the right to complain to staff, outside agencies, or anyone else, and to have the facility respond promptly to resolve those issues.
Right to Access and Privacy
A sense of personal space and security is vital for comfort and trust. This right guarantees:
- Privacy during medical treatments and personal care
- Confidentiality of all personal and clinical records
- Private, unrestricted communication with family, friends, and anyone they choose via phone, mail, or in-person visits
- The right to refuse visitors
The Right to Participate in One’s Own Care
No one knows a resident better than the resident themselves. This right ensures they remain the primary decision-maker in their own healthcare journey. It encompasses:
- Choosing their own physician
- Refusing medication or treatment
- Being involved in creating and reviewing their comprehensive care plan
The Right to Remain in the Facility
Few things cause more anxiety than the fear of an unexpected move. Residents are protected from unfair discharge or transfer. A facility can only transfer or discharge a resident for specific, legally defined reasons.
In all cases, the facility must provide advance written notice and a clear plan for a safe transition.
Our Commitment in the Care of Community
At Brickyard Healthcare, we believe these rights are brought to life through our culture. It’s in the way our 24/7 nursing staff takes the time to listen, the personalized therapy plans we develop with our residents, and the open lines of communication we maintain with families. Our mission is to connect the hearts of those who need care with those who provide it, and that connection is built on a foundation of unwavering respect for these rights.
We empower our team, recognized by our Great Place to Work® Certification™, with the training and support they need to be not just caregivers but true advocates for our residents.
Resources for Indiana Residents and Families
Knowing your rights is the first step. Knowing who can help you uphold them is the next. If you ever have questions or concerns about residents’ rights in Indiana, here are some invaluable resources.
- Your Facility’s Staff: Start with the team at your Brickyard care center. We are here to listen and help. We also have resources like FAQs on our website that cover a variety of topics.
- The Indiana Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program: An ombudsman is an advocate for residents. They are trained to resolve problems and can be contacted for free, confidential support. Learn more here.
- The National Consumer Voice for Quality Long-Term Care: This national organization provides extensive information and resources on residents’ rights.
Let’s Continue the Conversation
National Residents’ Rights Month is a reminder that quality long-term care goes far beyond clinical expertise. It’s about fostering a community where every individual is empowered to live their life to the fullest.
If you have any questions about how we protect and champion the rights of our residents at Brickyard, please contact us. Let’s work together to ensure every chapter of life is lived with respect and belonging.
