Assisted Living Residents and Privacy Rights

Seniors often relocate to a community to take advantage of the activities and programs available. These activities and programs range from book clubs and exercise classes to travel opportunities. However, they don’t want to lose their privacy when they move to the community. 

An assisted living community must respect the rights of its residents. If it doesn’t, the residents won’t thrive. They will feel violated and unhappy in their surroundings. What rights to privacy do the residents have? 

Privacy and Resident Monitoring

One reason people often move to a senior living community is that they want to know help is available when needed. Communities’ complete wellness checks and ensure residents remain safe. They provide help with activities of daily living. However, the residents want to maintain their privacy and dignity. Staff members must allow seniors to make choices rather than dictating what they must do to ensure this privacy and dignity. 

Isolation or Privacy?

Seniors often move to communities to avoid isolation. They need companionship for the highest quality of life. AARP reports that 33 percent of seniors lack regular companionship. Chronic illness, living alone, and hearing loss are three factors that contribute to isolation, and moving to a community can overcome these barriers. However, upon moving to the community, residents should have the option to maintain privacy when they desire it. Staff members shouldn’t step in unless a resident is isolating themselves, and this isolation is harming their mental or physical health. 

Independence

Seniors lose some independence as they age. They may become discouraged. Moving to a community concerns them because they believe they will lose more of their independence. Maintaining independence is essential because it enables individuals to develop positive relationships and utilize their memory skills. 

When they remain independent, seniors retain a sense of purpose and maintain their sense of self. They have more control over their lives. Furthermore, they build balance and strength when they remain active and independent. They worry they may not be able to do these things if they move to an assisted living community. 

Senior Rights

Seniors should have rights, even when they move into assisted living. Residents should be able to keep their possessions as long as these items do not interfere with the rights of others or affect their health and safety. They should be able to speak to family and friends on the phone without someone listening in and send and receive emails in private. 

Spouses should be allowed to share a room if they want to. Furthermore, the community should notify residents if they will be getting a roommate or if their current roommate will be relocating. Finally, the community should have measures in place to protect residents’ belongings. 

Privacy Levels

People may not realize that privacy levels differ based on the level of care provided. Residents of an independent living community have private space and can expect the same level of privacy they would have living in an apartment complex. Assisted living residents have privacy, but staff members check in on them regularly. They want to ensure residents don’t need help with activities of daily living. Memory care residents have less privacy because staff members must ensure their safety and well-being. 

Every person has the right to privacy. Senior living communities recognize this and try to provide the highest level possible. However, they also function to keep residents safe. Finding a community that strikes the right balance between the two will enable residents to enjoy the highest quality of life.