Residents of assisted living have legal protections involving dignity, privacy, safety, communication, medical care, personal property, and the right to raise concerns. In Pennsylvania, these protections apply to people living in licensed assisted living residences and are intended to support both personal choice and quality of life. ([pa.gov](https://www.pa.gov/content/dam/copapwp-pagov/en/dhs/documents/licensing/bhsl-licensing/documents/2025-04-11-alr-resident-rights-poster.pdf?utm_source=openai))
What rights do assisted living residents have in Pennsylvania?
Residents have the right to be treated with dignity and respect and to live free from abuse, neglect, intimidation, exploitation, involuntary seclusion, and improper discipline. Discrimination based on characteristics such as age, disability, race, religion, sex, national origin, ancestry, or sexual orientation is not permitted. ([pa.gov](https://www.pa.gov/content/dam/copapwp-pagov/en/dhs/documents/licensing/bhsl-licensing/documents/2025-04-11-alr-resident-rights-poster.pdf?utm_source=openai))
These rights apply to everyday interactions, not only serious incidents. A resident should be able to ask questions, express preferences, disagree with a decision, or request a change in services without being threatened or treated poorly.
A residence must also make its rules available to residents. Pennsylvania’s resident-rights information states that residents generally must receive 30 days’ written notice before a new residence rule takes effect. Changes to charges also should be explained verbally and in writing reasonably in advance. ([pa.gov](https://www.pa.gov/content/dam/copapwp-pagov/en/dhs/documents/licensing/bhsl-licensing/documents/2025-04-11-alr-resident-rights-poster.pdf?utm_source=openai))
Can residents make their own choices about daily life?
Yes. Assisted living is not intended to remove every personal choice. Residents generally retain control over ordinary decisions, subject to reasonable safety requirements, residence rules, and the resident’s assessment and support plan.
Examples include the right to:
- Choose clothing and keep personal possessions
- Furnish a living unit within reasonable residence guidelines
- Receive and keep clean, seasonal clothing
- Practice a chosen religion or decline religious practice
- Choose a primary care physician
- Communicate privately with friends, family, attorneys, physicians, and other people
- Leave and return to the residence at times consistent with residence rules and the support plan
- Receive visitors, provided visits do not adversely affect other residents
A resident’s support plan should reflect individual needs and preferences. If the plan no longer matches the person’s abilities, routines, or goals, the resident or designated representative can ask that it be reviewed.
This can be especially relevant in a smaller community where family members may live nearby but have work, transportation, or weather-related limitations. A practical plan should account for transportation to appointments, communication during winter weather, and who can assist if a family member cannot reach the residence promptly.
What privacy protections apply?
Residents have rights to privacy of their bodies, possessions, communications, and personal relationships. Privacy should be provided during bathing, dressing, changing, and medical procedures. Residents also have the right to use a telephone privately, and non-toll calls made from the residence must be free to the resident. ([pa.gov](https://www.pa.gov/content/dam/copapwp-pagov/en/dhs/documents/licensing/bhsl-licensing/documents/2025-04-11-alr-resident-rights-poster.pdf?utm_source=openai))
Mail is protected as well. Staff generally may not open or read incoming or outgoing mail unless the resident or the resident’s designated person requests it.
Residents and designated individuals may also have the right to access, review, and request corrections to the resident’s record. A practical request should identify the specific information believed to be incorrect and explain what correction is being sought.
Privacy does not mean a residence can never enter a living unit or intervene during an emergency. It means routine access and assistance should respect the resident’s dignity and follow applicable policies.
Can an assisted living residence control medications or health care?
Assisted living residences may provide or arrange help with medications and health care, but residents retain important health-care rights. Pennsylvania states that residents should receive assistance accessing health services and may choose their primary care physician. ([pa.gov](https://www.pa.gov/content/dam/copapwp-pagov/en/dhs/documents/licensing/bhsl-licensing/documents/2025-04-11-alr-resident-rights-poster.pdf?utm_source=openai))
Residents and families should distinguish between:
- Assistance with arranging care
- Medication reminders or administration
- Supplemental health care services
- Emergency medical treatment
- Services included in the resident-residence contract
The contract and support plan should explain which services are included, which cost extra, and what happens if care needs change. A resident should not assume that an assisted living residence provides the same level of nursing care as a nursing facility. Pennsylvania describes assisted living residences as serving people who may need more support than a personal care home but do not require 24-hour nursing care. ([pa.gov](https://www.pa.gov/agencies/dhs/resources/aging-physical-disabilities/personal-care-homes?utm_source=openai))
What can a resident do if something goes wrong?
A resident has the right to file a complaint, grievance, or appeal with the residence or an outside agency. The resident may also recommend changes to policies, rules, or services without intimidation, retaliation, or a threat of discharge. ([pa.gov](https://www.pa.gov/content/dam/copapwp-pagov/en/dhs/documents/licensing/bhsl-licensing/documents/2025-04-11-alr-resident-rights-poster.pdf?utm_source=openai))
A useful first step is to write down:
- What happened
- The date and approximate time
- Names or job titles of people involved
- Witnesses
- Any injury, financial loss, missed medication, or service problem
- What response was requested
Keep copies of written complaints and responses. If speaking is difficult, a resident may ask a trusted person or designated representative to help communicate, while still preserving the resident’s role in decisions whenever possible.
For assisted living residence complaints in Pennsylvania, the Department of Human Services’ Bureau of Human Services Licensing accepts reports online and by phone at 877-401-8835. That bureau investigates complaints involving licensed personal care homes and assisted living residences. ([pa.gov](https://www.pa.gov/agencies/dhs/resources/licensing/pch-alr-licensing/pch-alr-complaints?utm_source=openai))
What is the role of the long-term care ombudsman?
The Pennsylvania Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program assists people living in long-term care settings, including assisted living residences and personal care homes. An ombudsman can help explain rights, discuss concerns, and work toward resolving problems involving issues such as discharge, staffing, medications, food, property, and facility policies. ([pa.gov](https://www.pa.gov/services/aging/request-assistance-from-a-long-term-care-ombudsman?utm_source=openai))
The ombudsman is separate from the residence. A resident has the right to communicate privately with and access the local ombudsman. The statewide office can connect residents with the appropriate local representative at 717-783-8975 or through LTC-Ombudsman@pa.gov. ([pa.gov](https://www.pa.gov/services/aging/request-assistance-from-a-long-term-care-ombudsman?utm_source=openai))
What protections apply to discharge or relocation?
Residents generally have the right to remain in the residence while it is operating with a license, subject to the rules governing discharge. If an involuntary discharge is proposed, the resident has the right to use the residence’s appeal procedures and external appeal procedures. Residents also have the right to relocate and to request assistance from the residence when moving to another facility. ([pa.gov](https://www.pa.gov/content/dam/copapwp-pagov/en/dhs/documents/licensing/bhsl-licensing/documents/2025-04-11-alr-resident-rights-poster.pdf?utm_source=openai))
A discharge notice should not be ignored. The resident or representative should review the stated reason, deadline, appeal instructions, proposed destination, medication arrangements, transportation plan, and whether the support plan was updated. An ombudsman may help explain the process.
What should families and residents review before signing?
Before moving in, review the resident-residence contract and ask for clear answers about:
- Monthly charges and additional service fees
- Rules for visitors, leaving the building, and personal furnishings
- Medication assistance
- Transportation and appointment coordination
- Lost-property procedures
- Complaint and grievance procedures
- Circumstances that could lead to discharge
- How changes in care needs are assessed
- Who may access records and make decisions if the resident becomes unable to do so
Rights are easier to protect when residents and families know where policies are written and keep copies of the contract, support plan, medication list, notices, and correspondence. In Lewistown, seasonal conditions and limited transportation options can make advance planning particularly useful for appointments, family visits, emergencies, and a possible move.
