Final answer:
The Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (OBRA) of 1987 ensures that nursing home residents have rights concerning their care, respect for their dignity, and protection from abuse. OBRA's provisions are critical as the aging baby boomer population will likely increase the demand for high-quality nursing care.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (OBRA) of 1987 includes numerous provisions concerning the rights of nursing home residents. Key rights established by OBRA relate to the quality of care received, respect for residents' privacy and autonomy, and protections against the improper use of physical or chemical restraints. Specifically, the act ensures residents have the right to be treated with consideration, respect, and full recognition of their dignity and individuality.
Furthermore, the act sets the foundation for residents to make choices about their care and living conditions, to be fully informed about their medical condition and proposed treatment, and to be free from any physical or mental abuse, including restraints that are used for discipline or convenience rather than treatment. OBRA also underscores the importance of a suitable environment that enhances each resident's quality of life and welfare.
In light of findings such as those from a survey in Florida where many caregivers reported verbal aggression, OBRA's provisions contribute to protecting the elderly from abuse and improving the quality of caregiving. As our aging population increases, especially in light of the aging baby boomer population, the relevance and enforcement of OBRA become even more critical.