Congregate Living Health Facilities
Learn about Rights and Responsibilities
One of the best ways to proactively ward off problems with congregate living health facility providers is to make sure that they have sufficient information to deal easily with the patient’s needs and preferences. Also take the time to understand the resident’s rights.
Note Emergency Information
To cover emergencies, be sure that the providers have the patient’s complete contact information for those who should be notified — and that they are aware of his or her medical preferences and directions, such as Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) orders and advance directives.
Make Preferences Known
Another common complaint is that care providers aren’t attuned to the patient’s personal preferences and quirks that can make the difference between delivering fitting care and simply completing tasks or passing the time.
For example, even if it does not bear directly on the congregate living health facility provider’s particular duties, it may be helpful for him or her to know about the patient’s:
- Food, drink and bathroom habits and needs;
- Eating, cooking, and cleaning preferences;
- Napping and sleep habits;
- Body temperature tendencies;
- Home activities, such as a favored television show;
- Preferred exercise and outings; and
- Friends and other social contacts.
Learn about Residents’ Rights
Before you can solve a problem at a particular facility, learn what specific rights are guaranteed by law, assess whether any of them are being violated — and then file a complaint with the appropriate agency or individual if necessary.
In general, residents should expect and demand the following legal rights and obligations from a congregate living health facility:
- An assessment of their needs;
- Respectful and dignified treatment that includes privacy and confidentiality;
- Opportunities to participate in activities that fit individual interests and culture;
- The right to register a complaint or grievance without punishment or retaliation;
- Freedom from restraint, abuse, or neglect;
- Social interaction and free communication with other patients and visitors; and
- Nutritious meals in a clean and safe environment.