Resident Autonomy, Dignity, and Respect

Abstract

All care recipients have an essential right to be treated as individuals. From a moral imperative to the regulations governing the operations of long-term care facilities, there are specific provisions related to resident dignity, autonomy and choice, respect, privacy (when and to the extent possible), and individualization of the care and services provided, each of which will be covered in turn. As part of resident autonomy, this chapter covers resident councils, as well as the many ways in which facility staff and leadership can and must engage with residents to support them in directing their own care, thereby maximizing resident quality of life. Additionally, research exploring residents’ sense of purpose and how long-term care facilities can enhance residents’ feelings of self-worth and usefulness in congregate living settings is examined. Methods to promote a sense of purpose will be addressed, which helps residents experience meaning and improves overall satisfaction and quality of life in long-term care.

I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel. – Maya Angelou