Resident Rights: a training for facility staff Long Term Care Ombudsman Program Boulder County Aging Services

Introduction/Icebreaker For facility staff: What Department do you work in? -Administration -Nursing -Business Office -Dietary -Activities -Social Services -Housekeeping -Maintenance -Laundry -Other LTCO: How long have you been an Ombudsman?

Group A True False 1. The bookkeeper may open personal mail if a resident is in the hospital for an extended period of time.   2. Residents should be protected from information that would upset them. 3. A Nursing Home can set times for waking up and going to bed that all residents must follow. 4. It is necessary to obtain consent from the “responsible party” before allowing a resident to leave the facility for a visit.

Difficult Transitions If you moved into a Nursing Home, what would you miss the most? Aging often involves loss: - loss of loved ones - loss of possessions - loss of independence/health Each person will experience loss differently: - Isolation - Anger - Grief Staff can ease this transition through: - respect - compassion/understanding of situation - awareness of loss process

Group B True False 5. A resident can be restricted from smoking if their health is in danger because of it.   6. A resident can be forced to comply with proper hygiene. 7. Residents may complain if they are served broccoli repeatedly for dinner. 8. A resident must go to at least some activities.

Importance of Individuality/Possessions What 3 things would you take with you if you moved into a Nursing Home? Offer only a small slice of what someone had before Should ALWAYS be respected as personal property May be only connection to past Provide opportunities to get to know resident Personal Expressions

Group C 9. The staff may go through drawers and belongings without True False 9. The staff may go through drawers and belongings without permission if they suspect a person has spoiled food or missing items from other residents.   10. A Nursing Home cannot be held responsible for personal possessions such as wedding rings. 11. A resident may be asked to leave if he/she can’t get along with staff or other residents. 12. Residents can only use their money for necessities, such as clothing, toiletries, and other personal items.

“Personal Needs Money and Control” If you had only $50 personal needs money each month, what would you spend it on? Covers everything: clothing, shoes,lotion, outings, and goodies (to name a few!) NH should provide free or affordable outings Restrictions cannot be imposed based on health, behaviors, etc.

Group D True False 13. A resident does not need to be included in decisions if they have a Power of Attorney.   14. If a resident is upset, sending them to their room for a “time out” is acceptable. 15. A family member can have medication withheld from a resident if they feel the medication is no longer needed. 16. A place should be made available for a resident to spend private time with a member of the opposite or same sex.

How would you want to be treated? This is a home. Not homelike, not homey, but home. Remember- freedom should be afforded to every individual. Think of your own home. Does someone tell you: - What to eat? - What to wear? - When to go to bed? - How to spend your money? Cultural, ethnic and religious differences need to be appreciated. Remember- Regardless of how residents may treat you, your response needs to be the same: - Dignity - Respect - Freedom This can be hard. But being aware of this struggle and preparing ways to provide this is essential!

Residents Should Never Lose Their Rights! The right to be: Fully Informed The right to: Complain Participate in One’s Own Care Privacy and Confidentiality Rights during: Transfer and Discharge Visits Dignity, Respect & Freedom Make Independent Choices