Choosing the right long-term care facility for an elderly loved one is one of the most important decisions a family will make. Understanding residents’ rights provides a powerful framework for evaluating nursing homes and assisted living communities. From dignity and privacy to safety and social engagement, these rights reveal how well a facility truly cares for residents.

Today, 46 million Americans are over the age of 65 and this number is expected to more than double by 2060. Baby boomers born between...