Resident’s Bill of Rights

The Saul & Claribel Simkin Centre is dedicated to the provision of quality care and services to the elderly in the Centre and the community. The Centre was founded on the mitzvah, mepney sevah takum (respect and stand by the elderly) Leviticus 19:32.

The Saul & Claribel Simkin Centre founders established a residence for elders based upon three core Jewish values:

  • Respect for all people – Derech eretz
  • Honour due each person – Kavod
  • Caring – Chesed
  • Trust – Emunah

We strive to enhance the quality of life of each resident, regardless of their physical or mental state, by providing opportunities for the resident or advocate to engage in meaningful and relevant choices. We recognize that residents’ rights are also protected by The Centre’s Code of Conduct which applies to all persons in The Centre.  Each resident is entitled to the following RIGHTS:

Each resident has the right to be treated with dignity and courtesy. Resident qualities, characteristics and differences are valued and respected.

Each resident has the right to be sheltered, fed, dressed, groomed, and cared for in a manner consistent with their needs.

Each resident or their legal representative has the right to give or refuse consent to treatment, including medication, in accordance with the law.

The physical, emotional, psychological, social, spiritual and cultural needs of each resident will be considered subject to safety requirements and privacy rights of other residents. This will include:

  • The freedom to exercise his/her choice of religion, culture and language.
  • The freedom of movement or as much movement as is reasonably possible.
  • The freedom to express opinions, needs and feelings and have such taken seriously without fear of discrimination or reprisal.
  • The freedom to meet his/her own needs, as is reasonably possible, in a meaningful and relevant manner.
  • The freedom to communicate with, have contact with and visits to and from friends, family and others in private if desired.
  • The freedom to choose their recreational activities.
  • The freedom to choose the personal items to be kept in their rooms, when space permits.
  • The freedom to select the clothing to be worn each day.
  • The freedom to have reasonable privacy while treated and cared for.
  • The freedom to have a clean and safe environment.
  • The freedom to communicate and meet with their legal representative as often as necessary and in private if desired.

Each resident has the right to sensitivity and respect for privacy while conducting business, socializing, and receiving care.

Each resident has the right to be protected against verbal, physical, psychological, financial abuse, and harassment.

Each resident has the right to seek and receive reasonable treatment to mitigate pain.

Each resident has the right to maintain a sense of hopefulness and to be cared for by those who are caring, sensitive and knowledgeable in meeting the changing needs and expectations of the resident.

Each resident has the right to live the end of his/her life in peace with dignity and comfort with those whose presence has significant meaning.

[September 2020]