(970)-243-8250

    If you are a resident at a skilled nursing facility, the U.S. government has enacted guidelines for your health, safety, and security. According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services website, your rights include:

 

• Respect: You have the right to be treated with dignity and respect

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• Services and Fees: You must be informed in writing about services and fees before you enter the nursing home

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• Money: You have the right to manage your own money or to choose someone else you trust to do this for you

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• Privacy: You have the right to privacy, and to keep and use your personal belongings and property as long as it doesn’t interfere with the rights, health, or safety of others

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• Medical Care: You have the right to be informed about your medical condition, medications, and to see your doctor. You also have the right to refuse medications and treatments.

 

Ombudsman Program

    The Colorado Department of Human Services offers an Ombudsman program designed to protect the health, safety, welfare, and rights of residents in licensed long-term care. Ombudsmen are advocates who work to resolve individual resident issues and to bring about changes at the local, state, and national level to improve long-term care.

 

Current ombudsman contacts:

• Region 11: Mesa, Garfield, Moffat, and Rio Blanco counties. The contact person is Robert Huff who can be reached at 970-248-2717.

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• Region 10: Gunnison, Hinsdale, Ouray, Montrose, San Miguel, and Delta counties. The contact person is Sandy Walker at 970-249-2436, ext. 212.

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• For ombudsman in other counties look here for information.

 

Watch out for Financial Exploitation

    The elderly are often victims of financial exploitation, and the perpetrator is frequently a family member or close friend. If you suspect something is going on, get to an attorney quickly before the damage becomes irreparable.

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