Nursing Home Resident Council Has Resident Council Rights

The nursing home resident council unlike the family council is a resident organization within the nursing home or assisted living facility whose members usually are residents of the home. All residents of the home can participate in the resident council just by the fact that they reside within the home. The resident council has powerful rights in nursing homes and assisted living facilities (boarding homes), these resident council rights protect the rights of residents.

The resident council is not governed by nursing homes or assisted living facilities. The long term care ombudsman is mandated to protect the rights of resident councils in nursing homes. The long term care ombudsman also protects residents' rights, quality of life and care in nursing homes and assisted living facilities.

The resident council provides a vehicle for residents to participate in decision-making and for residents to voice grievances and resolve differences. Usually residents, who are able, take on the role of speaking up for those who cannot. Every nursing home resident council is different, due to differences in both the residents who participate and in the level of support and responsiveness from the facility.

The Nursing Home Reform Law and federal regulations require nursing homes and assisted living facilities to assist in the establishment of resident councils. The nursing home resident council movement has grown into a vital part, in the health, safety, and welfare of residents in nursing homes. The Resident Councils of Washington can provide you more information about how to form or develop a nursing home resident council.

Resident Council Rights

(1) Each facility shall have resident council consisting of representatives elected by facility residents. Elections shall be held annually.

(2) The council shall annually elect a chair from among its members. The chair shall call and preside at council meetings.

(3) The resident council shall serve in an advisory capacity to the respective administrators and to the director in all matters related to policy and operational decisions affecting resident care and life in the facility, to include, but not be limited to, input into the biennial budget making process and facility supplementary policies and procedures. The administrator shall give due and proper consideration to such input.

(4) Each resident council shall:

(a) Actively participate in development of choices regarding activities, food, living arrangements, personal care and other aspects of resident life; and

(b) When so requested by a resident, serve as an advocate in resolving grievances and ensuring resident rights are observed.

Steps to Connect With a Senior Care Facility

Below are nine senior care options that cover care facilities, independent living, and in-home care. Under each option, there is a short description outlining the care or service of the care option. Select the option that you feel best suits the needs of your loved one. If you're not sure, don't worry. It can be changed as you go through the process. Now that you have selected your care option-click the link "Select this option."

As you complete the form, please read it carefully. The information you provide the facility or care agency is key to a successful placement. Note, if you don't have your loved one's physician's report, just put their diagnosis as you believe it to be. Also, make sure their monthly care budget is what you have selected. In the comments box, enter any information you think would be helpful to the facility or care agency — Submit the form.

If you requested the facilities or care agencies to call you, expect up to four calls over the next twenty-four hours. They will answer any questions you may have about your loved one's care needs. From that point, if you are satisfied, you can set up a tour with one or all of them. Be prepared with a physician's report during the visit so that you can have an idea of the cost of care. If you choose to go forward after your visit, the facility will set up a time to assess your loved one.

Adult Day Care Centers

Adult day care centers focus on social interaction with adults and older persons. Adult day health care (ADHC) provides day care to adults with chronic medical conditions. Use our adult day care center placement and referral agency to find adult day care centers.

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Assisted Living Facilities

Assisted living facilities provide seniors more companionship and some assistance in day-to-day living. Assisted living facilities come in all sizes. Our assisted living facility placement and referral agency will help seniors find the right private pay assisted living community.

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Continuing Care Communities

Continuing care communities are a combination of memory care facilities, nursing homes and assisted living facilities. CCRC's are owned by private companies and staffed to provide a "continuum of care". There are three basic types of contracts for care in a CCRC.

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Hospice Care Facilities

Hospice care is more than a place of care, hospice is a unique kind of care for people with advanced illnesses. Hospice care is a specialized care that accepts dying as the final stage of life. Use our hospice care facility placement and referral agency to find hospice care facilities.

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Independent Living Communities

Independent living is simply any housing arrangement designed for seniors, generally those aged 55 and over. These communities are for seniors who need no care. Use our independent living community placement and referral agency to find independent living.

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In-Home Care Agencies

Home care and in-home care are sometimes referred to as home health care, home health and private duty. Our home care placement and referral agency will help clients find in-home care, home care, home health care and private duty home care close to you.

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Memory Care Facilities

Memory care is a term that refers to specialized care provided by some facilities to help elder/seniors and other individuals affected by memory impairment. Use our memory care facility placement and referral agency to find private pay memory care facilities.

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Residential Care Homes

Residential Care Homes are also known as adult family homes, adult family care homes, care homes, residential care facilities and personal care homes. Our residential care home placement and referral agency will help seniors find the appropriate senior care home.

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Skilled Nursing Facilities

Skilled nursing facilities are normally the highest level of care for older adults outside of a hospital. Nursing homes provide custodial care, which includes getting in and out of bed. Use our skilled nursing facility placement and referral agency to help you find the right facility.

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