Find a Nursing Home Lawyer

Nursing Home Law is a component of Elder Law, which is a specialty of law devoted to the needs of the elderly. Elder Law encompasses such areas as Medicaid, Medicare, Social Security, financial decision-making, living wills, and, of course, nursing home care. Sadly, many of today's elderly citizens find themselves the victims of nursing home abuse and neglect. If your loved one resides in a nursing home, you should be aware of their rights as well as the options available to you if abuse should ever occur. Residents' Rights In 1987, Congress enacted the Nursing Home Reform Law, which essentially states that every nursing home resident must be provided with whatever services are necessary so that he/she may function at the highest level possible. The law awards residents a number of specific rights. For one, all residents have the right to freedom from unnecessary physical and chemical restraints, except when such restraints are authorized by a physician in writing for a specified, limited time period. In addition, all nursing home facilities must provide residents with a means of contacting the physician responsible for their care while also allowing them to participate in care planning meetings. Continued... By Lindsay Rech