15. Citizens’ rights
“Every resident has the right to exercise the rights of a citizen.”
In other words: When you move into a long-term care home, you keep all of the rights you have as a citizen.
These rights include:
- your equality rights, including the right to be protected against discrimination
- the right to practise your religion
- the right to express yourself
- the right to meet with anyone you wish or join any organization or group
your democratic rights, such as the right to vote
You also have the right to decide if someone can:
- open or read your mail
- look through or take your belongings
This is true unless the law says that they can do this.
As a citizen, you also have responsibilities, such as:
- respecting other people’s rights and freedoms
- following the law