We all expect personal privacy, yet just what is it? The privacy which seniors experience in their own homes may be somewhat curtailed if they have to move into a care facility; for example, seniors in nursing homes often have to share rooms with strangers. Still, a sense of privacy is essential to human dignity and well-being. What then does "privacy" mean in the context of a care facility?
Privacy in residents' rooms — Staff should knock before entering residents' rooms, and announce themselves before going behind a privacy curtain if it is closed.
Privacy of communications — Residents of nursing homes have the right to receive private mail, to have private phone calls, and to have private visits with family members, their personal physician, or other chosen visitors.
Physical privacy — Residents should have privacy when changing clothes, bathing, using the toilet, or washing up. If a resident needs assistance, a staff person should stay as close as necessary for safety, but still ensure that the resident has privacy from others, for example, by closing the bathroom door.
Privacy when receiving personal care — Personal care should be provided in such a way that others do not view the resident's unclothed body, for example, by pulling the privacy curtain around the resident's bed while changing clothes. In addition, residents who need help with bathing, and are transported to a bathing facility, should be transported in such a manner that they are not exposed.
Privacy of financial and medical records. These records should only be released with the written permission of the resident (or the resident's representative), except when they are needed by another health facility when the resident is transferring facilities, or if legally required for some reason. Instances when records might be required by law can include: if the state's department of health is reviewing the facility's records and practices; if the police are involved in an official investigation; or if there is a conservatorship hearing scheduled to determine whether or not the senior is competent.
If you have questions about privacy in a care facility, you can ask the facility administrator, or you can contact your state survey agency, also referred to as the state licensing agency, or your local ombudsman program. The telephone number for the ombudsman program should be posted in the nursing home. To find the phone number of your state survey agency and local ombudsman program, go to the Advocacy and Regulations section of our Resource Finder.
Source caregiverzone.com (Note: this article is adapted from the California Department of Health Services article Personal Privacy — What Does That Mean?)
