YOUR RESIDENT’S ROOMMATE COMPLAINS ABOUT THEM EVERY DAY. ARE YOU LISTENING?
Two residents share a room.
One repeatedly complains:
“She keeps me awake.”
“She goes through my things.”
“I can’t get any privacy.”
It can be tempting to dismiss it as two residents who simply don’t get along.
But repeated complaints shouldn’t automatically be ignored.
RESIDENTS HAVE RIGHTS
Under Section 429.28, Florida Statutes — Resident Bill of Rights, ALF residents have rights that include being treated with dignity and respect, having their privacy recognized, and presenting grievances without retaliation.
The statute also requires facilities to establish a grievance procedure.
That means when a resident repeatedly raises the same concern, the facility should listen, investigate, and determine whether action is needed.
DON’T JUST CALL IT A “PERSONALITY CONFLICT”
Ask what is actually happening.
Is someone’s sleep repeatedly being disrupted?
Is there a privacy issue?
Is one resident going through the other resident’s belongings?
Has someone’s behavior recently changed?
Could a different room arrangement solve the problem?
Sometimes it really is a disagreement between roommates. But you should know that after looking into it, not before.
HOW TO STAY COMPLIANT
Listen to the resident.
Document significant or repeated complaints.
Follow your facility’s grievance procedure.
Investigate what is happening.
Take reasonable action when appropriate.
Most importantly:
DON’T WAIT UNTIL A SMALL COMPLAINT BECOMES A BIGGER PROBLEM.
OFFICIAL RESOURCE
Section 429.28, Florida Statutes — Resident Bill of Rights