Nursing Home Specific Fact Sheets
this group of fact sheets are on topics specific to nursing homes. These fact sheets help explain complicated issues that residents or families may have questions about during a nursing home stay.
Family Councils in Nursing Homes
A family council is a group of family members, as defined by the resident, of the same nursing home that meets on a regular basis to discuss issues and concerns regarding the home and plan activities for residents. The council is independent; it is organized by family members, not by the nursing home.
How to File a Nursing Home Complaint
A complaint can be about any aspect of a resident's life in the nursing home including whether there are enough staff, how staff treat the resident, the quality or choice of food, residents' rights, or quality of care. The State will only investigate complaints related to violations of the extensive state or federal laws that govern almost every aspect of nursing home life. Your complaint can be about more than one issue.
Involuntary Discharge from a Nursing Home
An involuntary discharge occurs when a resident is required to leave the nursing home and is not allowed to return. This can occur when the nursing home issues a written notice or when staff pressure the resident to leave. Residents have protections and the right to an appeal when issued notice of a discharge.
Leaving the Nursing Home During the Day or Overnight
Nursing home residents generally have the right to leave the nursing home during the day to participate in community activities, go to a sporting event, go shopping, participate in religious services, visit with family, eat lunch or dinner at a restaurant, or go to a medical appointment.
Resident Councils in Nursing Homes
A resident council is an independent group of nursing home residents who meet on a regular basis to discuss concerns and suggestions and to plan activities that are important to them. These councils are resident driven and supported by staff and the local ombudsman only at the invitation of the council.
When a Nursing Home Closes
A nursing home may make the decision to close voluntarily for a number of different reasons, but usually it is due to finances or a low number of residents in the building. Residents have specific rights and protections when a nursing home closes.