Resident Rights in Long-Term Care Settings
Residents Rights
What rights do I have in a nursing home? Residents in assisted living, adult family homes, and nursing homes continue to hold all their civil and legal rights — including the right to vote, manage their finances, make legal decisions, and live free from discrimination. Moving into a care community does not mean giving up independence — in fact, many rights are reinforced by state and federal protections to ensure safety, respect, and self-determination.
Your Resident Rights
All Legal and Civil Rights
Residents must be treated with courtesy, consideration, and respect at all times. This includes recognizing cultural, religious, and personal preferences without discrimination.
The Right to Dignity and Respect
Residents must be treated with courtesy, consideration, and respect at all times. This includes recognizing cultural, religious, and personal preferences without discrimination.
The Right to Privacy
Residents have the right to personal privacy, including in their living space, medical care, and communications. Staff must knock before entering rooms and honor confidentiality.
The Right to Participate in Care Decisions
Residents have the right to be involved in creating and updating their care plan. They must be informed of their health status and be allowed to refuse or accept treatments.
The Right to Be Free from Abuse and Neglect
All residents are entitled to live free from physical, emotional, verbal, sexual, or financial abuse, as well as neglect. Facilities are legally required to investigate and report any suspicion of mistreatment.
The Right to Visitors
Residents have the right to receive visitors of their choosing at reasonable times, including family, friends, clergy, and advocates. They may also refuse visitors if they wish.
The Right to Manage Finances or Appoint a Representative
Residents can possess and use personal items, such as photos, furniture, and clothing. Facilities must take reasonable steps to protect these belongings from loss or theft.
The Right to Personal Belongings and Property
Residents can possess and use personal items, such as photos, furniture, and clothing. Facilities must take reasonable steps to protect these belongings from loss or theft.
The Right to Participate in Social and Religious Activities
Residents may participate in group or individual social, spiritual, and cultural activities within or outside the facility. They also have the right to decline such activities.
The Right to Be Fully Informed
Residents must be informed, in a language and format they understand, about their rights, services, facility rules, and changes in care or charges.
The Right to Raise Concerns Without Fear
Residents can voice complaints to staff, family, ombudsmen, or regulatory agencies without fear of retaliation. Facilities must have procedures in place for resolving grievances.
The Right to Equal Access and Non-Discrimination
All residents are entitled to equal care regardless of race, religion, gender, age, disability, marital status, or source of payment.
Seniors Rights
Residents in assisted living, adult family homes, and nursing homes continue to hold all their civil and legal rights — including the right to vote, manage their finances, make legal decisions, and live free from discrimination. Moving into a care community does not mean giving up independence — in fact, many rights are reinforced by state and federal protections to ensure safety, respect, and self-determination.
Your State Ombudsman
If you or someone you know rights are being violated, please contact your state Long Term Ombudsman program. Long Term Care Ombudsman advocate for residents in long term care communities. Use button below to contact the State of Washington Ombudsman program. All States have a Long Term Ombudsman program.