Nursing Home Lawyers Alexandria, VA
Nursing home lawyers Alexandria, VA residents trust understand that if you have a loved one who is living in a nursing home or skilled nursing facility, you know first hand how difficult it can be to leave someone you love in the care of virtual strangers. You likely have concerns about their comfort, their safety, and their happiness. While many nursing homes offer a beautiful and happy place for your loved one to stay, there are situations that can rightfully cause your concern. If you have questions about your loved one’s care, it is better to ask for help before your questions and concerns become serious problems. That is where a qualified, competent, and experienced nursing home attorney can help. Consider calling nursing home lawyers in Alexandria, VA today to find out more about nursing home law and safeguards that you may be able to put in place to make sure your loved one is getting good care. Though there is no substitute for a knowledgeable attorney, also consider the following frequently asked questions about nursing home law:
- What is nursing home law? Nursing home law is the body of federal and state law that prescribes the rights of nursing home patients and sets out rules that nursing homes and skilled nursing home facilities must follow. Nursing home law also intersects with many other types of law, including personal injury and elder law. Elder law is frequently associated with writing wills and developing end-of-life plans for medical care and guardianship.
- What rights do nursing home residents have? As most nursing home lawyers in Alexandria, VA will tell you, nursing home residents have the same rights as ordinary citizens. They are protected from assault and also have full control over their medical decision making while they have the mental and physical capacity to do so. Nursing home residents have additional rights too, similar to those of tenants in any other living facility. For example, they cannot be evicted without proper notice and proper justification. Additionally, nursing home residents have rights regarding their care plan. Federal and state law requires that nursing home residents, or their family in the event a resident lacks capacity, are allowed to participate in the development of their care plan.
- What can I do if I believe my family member’s rights are being violated? Nursing home lawyers in Alexandria, VA will suggest that, most of the time, the best thing that you can do is reach out to a qualified and competent nursing home attorney. He or she will be able to advise you regarding the best next step for your loved one. This may be as simple as arranging a meeting between yourself, your loved one, and the nursing home management to make sure that your loved one is being cared for in accordance with their wishes and the law. Ultimately, however, it may result in you needing to assist your loved one in finding new care or filing a civil or criminal lawsuit.
Nursing home law can be complicated and is a subject that most people know little or nothing about. If you have a loved one in a nursing home facility, however, it is important that you have a basic understanding of what laws affect his or her care. Research your state law and look into federal nursing home law to learn more and, remember, there is no substitute for a qualified nursing home attorney.
Do not hesitate to call Cohen & Cohen today to set up your free consultation with nursing home lawyers Alexandria, VA residents count on.