Upholding Dignity: Residents’ Rights to Accommodation and Notification in Long-Term Care

In long-term care settings, the foundation of quality care is respect for the individual — recognizing that each resident brings a lifetime of values and preferences, routines, and relationships that matter deeply. Federal regulations affirm this principle by requiring facilities to provide reasonable accommodation of resident needs and preferences. Included within that is the requirement that residents be given written notice before any room or roommate change.

Under 42 CFR § 483.10(e)(3), residents have the right to reside and receive services in the facility with reasonable accommodation of their needs and preferences, unless doing so would endanger the health or safety of the resident or others [R-1]. This includes honoring choices about daily routines, physical environment, and social interactions. Whether it’s a preferred bedtime or waking time, access to personal belongings, or the ability to personalize one’s space, these accommodations are essential to preserving autonomy and dignity.

Equally important is the right to receive written notice before a room or roommate change. According to § 483.10(e)(6), nursing home residents must be informed in writing—including the reason for the change—before any such move occurs [R-1]. This ensures transparency and gives residents and their families time to prepare, ask questions, and express any concerns they may have. The regulation also supports the right to refuse a transfer made solely for staff convenience or administrative purposes [R-1].

These protections are not just regulatory requirements—they are essential to person-centered care that is the right of every resident. Advocates, providers, and policymakers alike must work together to ensure that these rights are not only recognized but upheld in practice. Doing so affirms and helps protect the dignity of every resident and can strengthen the trust that residents and their families are able to place in our long-term care system.

If you or a loved one are facing challenges related to room changes or unmet needs in a long-term care facility, remember that you are not alone. The Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program is here to help. Your local ombudsman can advocate on your behalf, help you understand and exercise your rights, and support you in insisting on your being treated with the dignity and respect every resident deserves. To connect with your local ombudsman, visit the Virginia Ombudsman Program website or call 1-804-565-1600.

Sources:
[S-1]: [42 CFR § 483.10 – Resident Rights]

References:
[R-1]: SOM – Appendix PP