The guide, which can be downloaded at www.aft.org/retirement, provides plain-English advice on the ways nursing homes typically take advantage of residents, violating federal nursing home law. “20 Common Nursing Home Problems—and How To Resolve Them” offers strategies to avoid or reverse these illegal tactics.

Each problem is presented as a statement you might hear from a nursing home, followed by how you should respond. For example, “If we don’t tie your father into his chair, he may fall or wander away.” Fact: Physical restraints can’t be used for convenience or discipline. Or this one: “We must insert a feeding tube.” Fact: Tube feeding doesn’t extend the lives of people with dementia, and should be used only as a last resort. Or this: “We can’t admit your mother unless you sign on as a ‘responsible party.’” Fact: Although lots of people think this means they’re the contact person, it actually means they’re volunteering to be 100 percent financially liable.

The guide also covers Medicaid, arbitration, physical therapy and other issues.

The author, Eric Carlson of the National Senior Citizens Law Center, has handled hundreds of cases and knows the realities of nursing home life. Right in the introduction, he provides a quick overview of the Nursing Home Reform Law, based on the idea that every home provide the care residents need to reach their highest practical level of functioning. He also points family members to nursing home watchdogs, called ombudsmen, in every state. Find yours at www.ltcombudsman.org.

Besides downloading a free copy of the 41-page guide from the AFT, you also can order a printed and bound copy for $9.95 plus shipping, with bulk discounts, by calling 202/289-6976, ext. 201, or visiting www.nsclc.org.