One of the basic rights of a resident is to be free from restraints. Restraints can never be used as a means of discipline or punishment. Nor can they be used for staff convenience. Physical restraints are anything that restrict movement. This includes positioning a resident so they are unable to get up or stand.
Residents have the right to file a complaint or grievance about the health care, treatment, or services in a nursing home. They also have a right to a prompt response from the nursing home administrators, without any fear of punishment or revenge. Some reasons for filing a complaint include abuse, neglect, inadequate staffing, poor care, nutrition problems, unsanitary conditions, and unsafe situations.
Every resident has the right to make decisions regarding their care, including refusing care or treatment. Mr. Smith could file a grievance after being bathed against his will, and the nurse aide could be disciplined.
While every resident has rights that apply to their care and privacy, they do not have the right to complete freedom in regard to their surroundings and other residents. Their rights are personal and physical, pertaining only to their own care.
Nursing homes and long-term care facilities must give every new resident a copy of the Resident Bill of Rights in a language they understand. The document must also be posted in a visible place. While each facility may have different wording, the rights protect and assure the resident of respectful treatment.
Physical abuse is the intentional act causing injury or trauma to another person by hitting, kicking,, pinching, spitting, or other means of striking out. Physical abuse is never appropriate from either client or caregiver.
Residents have a right to physical care and comfort, regardless of the time. As long as a nurse aide is on duty, they are responsible for providing excellent care. As a team member, the nurse aide should cooperate with other shifts to keep the resident's care a priority.
Every person has needs which must be met in order to achieve their goals and feel satisfied. Beyond the basic physical and survival needs (food, water, shelter, safety) people also need to connect with others. Spiritual needs include feeling connected to a higher power or nature. Sexual needs are finding intimacy with another person. Social needs include friends and community. These needs may shift in importance throughout life, but are always present.
Cultural diversity includes diets for religious reasons. There may be foods that are not allowed, strict rules for preparation, or fasting on certain days. Diets may be important in the healing process for these clients. Not getting what they need can feel like a sin or violation of their faith. Health care professionals must make sure their client's dietary needs are met and their religious beliefs are supported.
Humans can remain sexual throughout their lives. If residents are mentally competent, they can decide to seek intimacy. Residents have a right to express their sexuality as long as it is not public and does not harm the resident or others. Assure privacy for residents and avoid commenting to co-workers. Families may not understand that their relative has sexual needs. Physical limitations can interfere with sexual activity. If a resident tells you about their problems, ask the nurse or social worker to speak with them.
When a person moves to an assisted care or long-term care facility, that is their new home. They have the right to bring personal items, furniture, and clothing, as long as there is no safety risk for others. They also have the right to expect staff to help protect items and look for them if they are lost. If an item goes missing, report it to the nurse.
When a nurse aide uses active listening to communicate with a resident, the resident feels respected and appreciated. By giving the resident undivided attention, without interrupting, the aide-resident relationship can develop. Listening also helps avoid misunderstandings.
It can be tempting to share medical information with others who know the client. But even general information or conversations about behavior are violations of the HIPAA Privacy Rule. Be honest and firm about your responsibility as a health care professional. There are strict penalties for sharing information with others, even the family, if the client does not want them to know.
The resident has the right to manage their money or to designate someone else to do it. Sometimes a resident will ask the facility to hold their money. If so, the facility must give the resident full access to their account and protect the funds.
Physical privacy is the right to do something without having someone witness. This includes personal functions, such as toileting or grooming. The nurse aide can be an advocate for patients to help them meet their needs. If a patient needs to use the bedpan, the nurse aide should ask visitors to leave the room so the patient can use the bedpan and get cleaned up. The nurse aide can inform the visitors when they can return.
Allow the resident to express their feelings and emotions. Use empathy to put yourself in their place. When a nurse aide uses active listening to communicate with a resident, the resident feels respected and appreciated. By giving the resident undivided attention, without interrupting, the aide-resident relationship can develop. Listening also helps avoid misunderstandings.
Click for the next Free CNA Test
