Oregon Residents’ Bill of Rights

March 7, 2012 Oregon Senior News

When a senior citizen or disabled individual moves into an Oregon adult foster home, they do not give up any of their civil rights or their rights as an Oregon citizen. Caregivers in adult foster homes must respect such basic human rights as the person’s independence, their right to privacy, their dignity, and their right to make certain independent choices. Each adult foster home must post the Residents’ Bill of Rights in the home and have a conversation with the new resident as to these rights with each resident at the time of admission.

Each Resident has the right to:

• Be treated as an adult with respect and dignity;
• Be informed of all resident rights and all house policies;
• Be encouraged and assisted to exercise constitutional and legal rights, including the right to vote;
• Be informed of their medical condition and the right to consent to or refuse treatment;
• Receive appropriate care and services and prompt medical care as needed;
• Be free from mental and physical abuse;
• Complete privacy when receiving treatment or personal care;
• Associate and communicate privately with any person of choice and send and receive personal mail unopened;
• Have access to and participate in activities of social, religious and community groups;
• Have medical and personal information kept confidential;
• Keep and use a reasonable amount of personal clothing and belongings and to have a reasonable amount of private, secure storage space;
• Be free from chemical and physical restraints except as ordered for medical reasons that maximize functioning and only after other alternatives have been tried;
• Manager’s own financial affairs unless legally restricted;
• Be free from financial exploitation;
• Have a safe and secure environment;
• Receive a written agreement regarding services to be provided and agreed upon rates;
• Be free of discrimination in regard to race, color, national origin, sex or religion; and
• Voice grievances without fear of retaliation; and
• Not be transferred or moved out without 30 days written notice and an opportunity for a hearing.