Getting to know the resident rights of people who live in retirement communities

FRESNO COUNTY, Calif. (KFSN) — The federal nursing home reform law guarantees residents of long-term care facilities rights from being fully informed about their care to choosing their own schedule of meals and activities.

Coleta and Robert Walker moved into the Vineyards California Armenian Home a little over a year ago.

“We were tired of maintaining the house,” said Coleta Walker, a resident of The Vineyards. “We don’t have a lot of family to help us, so we decided to start downsizing and moving early.”

Since then they have felt more social. Even though they live on campus, life feels normal, if not better than before.

“We have a lot of friends now that we keep in touch with,” Robert Walker said. “We enjoy them, the social gatherings and so on. We had a great time.”

The Vineyards California Armenian Home is a not-for-profit community that encompasses all stages of senior living, from independent living to skilled nursing facility.

Around the 40-hectare property, Coleta and Robert enjoy their everyday lives, whether they go for walks or play mahjong. The Vineyards’ mission is to serve people with compassionate care.

“Living here at The Vineyards California Armenian Home is about making choices,” said Dennis Bacopulos, CEO. “The opportunities to participate in activities to have a different dining experience.”

Susan Bussean, program manager for the Fresno-Madera Long Term Care Ombudsman Program, says people who move into a retirement community are upholding their human and civil rights under federal law and state regulations.

“You have the right to choose your own doctor,” Bussean said. “The right to go away for the weekend, go home for the holidays, get up at a different time and shower.”

Residents also have the right to choose and manage their own resources.

Bussean and her team work with long-term care communities to provide education to residents and facility staff to ensure residents’ rights are not violated

“As an ombudsman, we visit each long-term care facility once a month with unannounced visits,” Bussean said. “We are there to advocate for the residents.”

“We let them know we are there for them.”

Bacopulos says they strive to create an inclusive environment. One that is not restrictive and allows you to live a robust lifestyle.

“Everything we do every day is done so that they feel the freedom they need to enjoy the highest quality of life,” Bacupulos said. “Things like voting – well, here on campus we are actually a polling place and have been for 20 years.”

For the latest news, follow Ana Torrea on Facebook. Twitter and Instagram.