Know Your Rights

These Are Federal Rights

Every nursing home that accepts Medicare or Medicaid must honor these rights. They're not optional. If a facility violates your rights, you can file a complaint with the state.

Rights Must Be Posted

Facilities are required to give you a written list of your rights when you move in, and they must be posted somewhere visible. If you haven't seen them, ask.

Speak Up If Rights Are Violated

Don't stay silent. Talk to the nursing home administrator, contact the Long-Term Care Ombudsman, or file a complaint with your state health department.

Right to Be Treated with Dignity

Staff must treat you respectfully—no yelling, belittling, or talking to you like a child. Your privacy and dignity must be respected at all times.

Right to Make Your Own Decisions

You get to decide your own schedule, what you eat, what you wear, and how you spend your time. The facility can't force you to follow their routine if you don't want to.

Right to Privacy

Staff must knock before entering your room. You have the right to privacy during medical care, phone calls, and visits. They can't read your mail or listen to your conversations.

Right to Your Own Belongings

You can keep personal items in your room (within reason). The facility can't take your things without permission.

Right to Quality Care

You have the right to receive appropriate medical care and treatment. If you're not getting the care you need, speak up.

Right to Refuse Treatment

You can refuse medications, therapy, or any medical treatment. Staff must respect your decision (though they may try to talk you into it).

Right to See Your Medical Records

You can request to see your medical records at any time. The facility must provide them within a reasonable timeframe.

Right to Choose Your Doctor

In most cases, you can keep your own doctor. If the facility requires you to use their doctor, they should tell you upfront.

Right to Pain Management

You have the right to adequate pain management. If you're in pain, tell the nurses. They should address it promptly.

Right to Be Free from Abuse and Neglect

You have the right to be safe from physical, emotional, or sexual abuse. This includes abuse from staff, other residents, or visitors.

Right to Be Free from Restraints

Facilities can't use physical restraints (tying you to a chair or bed) or chemical restraints (sedating you) unless medically necessary and approved by a doctor. Restraints are NOT allowed for staff convenience.

Right to Freedom of Movement

You can leave your room and move around the facility. They can't lock you in your room (unless you're in a secure dementia unit).

Right to File Complaints Without Retaliation

You can complain about your care without fear of punishment, eviction, or staff treating you poorly. Retaliation is illegal.

Right to Have Visitors

You can have visitors any time during reasonable hours. The facility can't ban family members unless there's a serious safety issue.

Right to Privacy with Visitors

You can meet with visitors in private. Staff shouldn't eavesdrop or interrupt (unless there's an emergency).

Right to Participate in Activities

The facility must offer activities and social programs. You're not required to participate, but you have the right to if you want.

Right to Practice Your Religion

You can attend religious services, meet with clergy, and practice your faith. Facilities can't force religion on you, either.

Right to Manage Your Own Money

You can keep and manage your own money. If the facility helps manage it, they must keep detailed records and give you access to them.

Right to Know All Costs

The facility must tell you upfront what services cost extra. They can't surprise you with hidden fees.

Right to See Itemized Bills

You can request an itemized bill showing exactly what you're being charged for.

Protection from Unfair Discharge

The facility can't kick you out just because you switched from private pay to Medicaid. They need a valid reason to discharge you (medical, behavioral, non-payment).

1. Talk to the Facility First

Start by speaking with the charge nurse, social worker, or administrator. Sometimes issues can be resolved quickly.

2. Contact the Ombudsman

Every state has a Long-Term Care Ombudsman—free advocates who help resolve nursing home complaints. Find yours at ltcombudsman.org.

3. File a State Complaint

If the issue is serious (abuse, neglect, unsafe conditions), file a complaint with your state health department. They'll investigate.

4. Document Everything

Keep notes of incidents—dates, times, names of staff involved, what happened. Take photos if relevant. This helps if you need to file a complaint.

5. Consider Moving

If things don't improve, you have the right to move to a different facility. Don't stay somewhere you feel unsafe or disrespected.