Nursing Home Abuses Are Too Common; Know Your Rights
Our senior citizens should not leave their basic human rights behind when they enter nursing homes. Licensed and heavily regulated under both federal and state law, nursing homes are supposed to protect elderly residents from harm. But a gap often exists between the reality of nursing home performance and legal standards. The problem is further compounded by poor enforcement and inadequate penalties.
If your loved one resides in a nursing home, understanding his or her legal rights can help you avoid difficulties. We suggest that you read our summary of nursing home patient rights, which uses federal and California laws as examples.
Should you suspect that elder abuse or neglect is occurring, consider your reporting options. See Reporting Elder Abuse for details.