Residents' Rights

Learn about your nursing or rest home resident rights.

As a nursing or rest home resident you have the right:

  • To be treated with respect and dignity, free from abuse and neglect.
  • To have your personal preferences reasonably accommodated.
  • To be informed of your rights and responsibilities as a consumer.
  • To be free from physical or chemical restraints.
  • To examine your own medical or personal records.
  • To manage your own personal or financial affairs.
  • To know your medical condition and participate in planning or refusing care.
  • To privacy in personal matters, medical care, visits and sending or receiving mail unopened.
  • To participate in social and religious activities of your choice.
  • To be fully informed of any matter relating to your life in the home, including services or charges covered by the daily rate.
  • To voice your concerns and problems, along with
  • recommended changes, to facility staff or others.
  • To receive 30 days written notice of relocation or discharge,
  • and an opportunity to appeal such a notice.
  • To have all reasonable requests responded to promptly.

These are just a few of your rights. For more information about residents’ rights, you may contact:
State Long Term Care Ombudsman
One Ashburton Place 
Boston, MA 02108
617-727-7750 

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