2021 Residents' Rights Month Resources

What are Residents' Rights?

Residents’ Rights are guaranteed by the federal 1987 Nursing Home Reform Law.  Nursing homes must meet federal residents' rights requirements if they participate in Medicare or Medicaid. Some states have residents' rights in state law or regulation for nursing homes, licensed assisted living, adult care homes, and other board and care facilities. A person living in a long-term care facility maintains the same rights as an individual in the larger community.

• Consumer Voice Residents' Rights Webpage

• NORC Residents' Rights Issue Page

• Residents' Rights Presentation

• Residents' Rights Fact Sheet

​Residents' Rights Fact Sheet in Other Languages

Reclaiming My Rights

• Communication Tips

• Reasons Residents Do Not Routinely Exercise Their Rights

• Obstacles to Implementing Residents' Rights

• How Facilities Can Promote and Implement Residents' Rights

Reclaiming My Home

• Nursing Home Fact Sheets:

  • How to Solve Problems in a Nursing Home

  • Steps for Getting Quality Care in a Nursing Home

• Assisted Living Fact Sheets:

  • 6 Steps for Getting Quality Care in an Assisted Living Facility

  • How to Solve Problems in an Assisted Living Facility

Reclaiming My Life

• My Personal Directions for Quality Living - sample; blank form; fillable PDF

• Taking Care of You: Tips for Residents of Long-Term Care Facilities

• Family Advocacy for Nursing Home Residents During COVID-19 (Residents can also use many of the advocacy tips in this document.)