“Take me out to the…” “Take me out to the…” “Buy me some…” “I don’t care if we ever…” Did you find yourself seeing images of baseballs and singing along? Summer can bring great enjoyment and many opportunities to enjoy fresh air and the outdoors. But is this true for persons living in nursing homes? The answer should be yes!
Nursing home residents have the right to participate in activities of their choice inside of the nursing home and outside of the nursing home in the community. What gives the residents these rights? The United States Constitution, of course, and residents of nursing homes also have all additional rights afforded to them by federal and state laws.
When I visit my loved one, can we go outside for the visit? Yes! If your loved one desires to visit outdoors, it is their right to do so. You should find staff and inform them of this preference. They must provide any help necessary to accommodate the request.
My loved one desires to go on an outing. How can I get my loved one out of the facility to attend a community event or family gathering? Most outings need advanced preparation. You can begin by speaking to the social worker, director of nursing, or administrator of the nursing home. The facility staff will be able to identify the resident’s needs and link the resident with resources to meet these needs. For example, utilizing a service to transport residents that require wheelchairs, arranging for portable oxygen, and arranging for the resident to receive medications while outside of the facility.
Nursing home residents expressing preferences and having input in their care is a right and helps contribute to their overall well-being.
If you have additional questions about resident rights, facility selection, or becoming a volunteer, please contact our program at 419-259-2891 or 1-800-542-1874. Our Ombudsman team serves 17 counties in Ohio and provides advocacy services free of charge to consumers of long-term-care services.
Lori Davis is Region 4 Volunteer Coordinator for the Ombudsman office.
