Examining Nursing Home Resident Rights in Baltimore

Seniors who reside in assisted living or continuing care communities in Maryland have legal rights that should always be respected. These rights are listed in the Health General Article under Section 19-343. They state that nursing homes will provide residents with care while respecting their dignity, and respect the residents’ individualities. By law, facilities cannot refuse these rights to a resident as they are protected.

Residents have a long list of rights that make sure they’re treated fairly and respectfully. When a nursing home doesn’t uphold these rights and your loved one suffers as a result, the lawyers from Belsky, Weinberg & Horowitz, LLC may be able to step in and ensure your loved one gets the justice they deserve.

Here’s a brief overview of the rights of nursing home residents in Baltimore and throughout the state of Maryland:

• To reside in a nursing home and receive services and reasonable accommodations that fit their needs and preferences. The accommodations cannot endanger other residents.
• The nursing home will provide care and services in an environment that helps or maintains the residents’ quality of life.
• The residents will live with dignity and be able to communicate with and have access to people and services inside and outside the nursing home.
• When the resident is exercising their rights, they don’t have to worry about backlash, discrimination, or reprisal from the nursing home.
• Residents will be free of physical, verbal, sexual, and mental abuse, restraints (physical and chemical) used solely for convenience or discipline, and involuntary seclusion.
• Residents can choose their physician, granted the physician follows the nursing home’s policies.
• Residents will choose the pharmacy where they get their medication.
• They also have the right to have all the information about their treatment and if there are any changes in care or treatment.

The lawyers at Belsky, Weinberg & Horowitz, LLC are well-versed in nursing home resident rights. If your loved one was abused, we’ll find out which rights were violated and hold the correct party responsible.

How Can You Tell If Your Loved One is Being Abused?

You may be suspecting that your loved one is facing abuse, but you may not have any evidence. There are a few signs you can look out for that may indicate abuse.

• Physical Markers. If your loved one has unexplained bruises, cuts, or broken bones, this may be a sign of staff handling your loved one too roughly or neglect from lack of supervision.
• Withdrawn. You know your loved one’s personality. Sudden changes like your loved one not wanting to socialize or if they seem terrified may be because of abuse.
• Poor Hygiene. When a nursing home doesn’t have enough staff, the residents often suffer because of it. Old or soiled clothes and bedsheets show that they aren’t being taken care of properly. Your loved one’s dental care should also be upheld every day, too.
• Unhealthy Environment. Unsanitary environments put residents at risk because illness can spread more easily. If your loved one seems constantly sick and you notice the home isn’t clean, it could be because the staff is neglecting to keep a clean environment.
• Speaking to Others. You can speak to other families about how they feel about their loved one’s care. If neglect is occurring, it’s probably affecting more than one resident.

It’s best to try and visit during uncommon visiting times, so you can glimpse what the home is like on a day-to-day basis. However, you should also be aware of some warning signs. If the staff refuse to let you see your loved one or won’t let you visit your loved one without supervision, it could be because they’re trying to hide something.

Get Sound Legal Advice from Belsky, Weinberg & Horowitz, LLC

If you suspect your loved one is being neglected or abused, contact us immediately. We’ll schedule an obligation-free consultation and find the best course of action for you and your loved one. You can rest assured that we will act in your best interests.