Nursing Homes
If the findings of Bet Tzedek’s study accurately reflect the practices of California’s nursing homes, the fact that the Department of Health Services does not receive more complaints about violations of residents’ rights is very worrisome (“Rights and the Infirm,” May 11).
Although the department conducts annual inspections of nursing homes for compliance with residents’ rights and other requirements, violations are more often found through the investigations of each and every complaint received about nursing home care. This makes it all the more important that nursing home residents, their friends and families become fully aware of their rights, so they will know what actions on the part of a nursing home are proper and what actions are not.
Toward this end, the department has embarked upon an aggressive, comprehensive resident’s rights education program which includes the development of brochures, fact sheets and training materials for residents, families and nursing home staff. The first brochure, which summarizes resident’s rights, will be available next month.
S. KIMBERLY BELSHE
Director, Dept. of Health Services
Sacramento
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