Carer Rights and Recognition in Grand Rapids, Michigan

Carers (often called caregivers) in Grand Rapids, MI play a vital role in supporting family members, friends, and neighbors who are older, have disabilities, chronic illnesses, or mental health conditions. Whether you provide a few hours of help each week or 24/7 care, you have rights.

In West Michigan, including Grand Rapids, carers should be treated with:

  • Respect
  • Consideration
  • Recognition
  • Access to support and information

These principles guide how hospitals, clinics, government agencies, and community services should work with you and the person you care for.

Carer Rights in Grand Rapids, MI

While Michigan does not have a “Carers Recognition Act 2012” like some other regions, many of the same principles are reflected in:

  • Federal and state patient rights laws
  • Privacy laws (including HIPAA)
  • Disability and elder rights protections
  • Policies within local health systems like Corewell Health (formerly Spectrum Health), Trinity Health Grand Rapids, Metro Health – University of Michigan Health, and Mercy Health

In Grand Rapids, a carer should:

  • Be recognized for their dedication and the social and economic contribution they make
  • Have their views considered when services are planned or reviewed for the person they care for
  • Have their cultural identity, language, and values respected
  • Be included, where appropriate, in discussions and decisions that affect the care relationship
  • Have their own health and wellbeing taken into account, especially given West Michigan’s long, cold winters and seasonal challenges
  • Be able to ask questions, seek second opinions, and request clear explanations from healthcare professionals

Rights of the Person Being Cared For

People receiving care in Grand Rapids—whether at home, in a clinic, or in a hospital—also have rights. These rights apply in settings such as:

  • Corewell Health hospitals and clinics
  • Trinity Health Grand Rapids
  • Metro Health – University of Michigan Health
  • Mercy Health facilities
  • Primary care and specialist offices across Kent County

A person being cared for should:

  • Be respected and recognized as an individual, not just as a “patient” or “case”
  • Have their views, preferences, and needs taken into account
  • Have their cultural background and language needs respected
  • Have their changing needs considered over time, especially as health conditions progress or improve
  • Be supported when the care relationship changes (for example, moving from home care to assisted living or rehab)

Principles of a Healthy Care Relationship

A care relationship involves both the carer and the person being cared for. In Grand Rapids, good care relationships are supported when:

  • Both people’s views are considered in the assessment, planning, delivery, and review of services
  • Healthcare providers listen to both the carer and the person receiving care, when appropriate
  • Decisions are made in the best interests of the person being cared for, while also considering the carer’s capacity, employment, and family responsibilities
  • The care relationship is respected and honored by service providers, including hospitals, home health agencies, and community support organizations

Accessing the Health Records of Someone You Care For

In the United States, including Grand Rapids, access to someone else’s health and medical records is governed by HIPAA and Michigan law. You only have the right to access another person’s records if you are their authorized representative.

For Someone Under 18 (a Minor)

Typically, the authorized representative is:

  • A parent, or
  • A legal guardian

To be recognized as an authorized representative for a minor, you may need to provide:

  • Government-issued photo ID
  • The child’s birth certificate listing you as a parent
  • Court documents showing legal guardianship or custody

For Someone Over 18 (an Adult)

An authorized representative may be:

  • Someone legally appointed under a durable power of attorney for healthcare
  • A court-appointed guardian or conservator
  • In some cases, a spouse, partner, or close family member designated by the patient or recognized under hospital policy

You may be asked to show:

  • Power of attorney documents
  • Guardianship or conservatorship papers
  • Written consent from the person you care for

All major Grand Rapids health systems—Corewell Health, Trinity Health Grand Rapids, Metro Health, and Mercy Health—have medical records departments and patient portals where authorized representatives can request access, subject to proper documentation.

Raising Concerns About Healthcare or Support Services

If you have concerns about the care you or the person you support is receiving in Grand Rapids, it is usually best to start directly with the service involved.

Step 1: Speak With the Service or Provider

You can:

  • Talk to the nurse, doctor, or therapist providing care
  • Ask to speak with a supervisor or manager
  • Request to meet with a patient advocate or patient relations representative

Most Grand Rapids hospitals have patient liaison or patient experience staff who can:

  • Explain your options
  • Help you file a concern or complaint
  • Support you in communicating with the care team

Step 2: Use the Organization’s Complaints Process

Many healthcare and community services in Grand Rapids have formal complaint procedures. These may include:

  • Written complaint forms (online or on paper)
  • Patient experience departments or ombudsman services
  • Timeframes for response and review

Ask the organization:

  • How to submit a complaint
  • What will happen next
  • When you can expect a response

If you feel stuck, or your concerns are not being addressed, advocacy and legal services in Michigan can help. These organizations can:

  • Explain your rights as a carer or patient
  • Help you prepare for meetings
  • Support you in negotiating with services
  • Provide legal information or representation where needed

Some key resources include:

  • Michigan Legal Help – Offers self-help legal information and referrals:
    https://michiganlegalhelp.org
  • Legal Aid of Western Michigan – Provides free or low-cost legal assistance for eligible residents in Grand Rapids and surrounding areas:
    https://www.lawestmi.org
  • Disability Rights Michigan – Advocacy for people with disabilities and mental illness:
    https://www.drmich.org
  • Kent County Friend of the Court / Probate Court – For guardianship and related legal matters

For general health and public health concerns, you can also contact:

  • Kent County Health Department
  • Grand Rapids Public Health and community clinics – Offer local programs for caregivers, seniors, and people with chronic illnesses.

Seasonal and Local Health Considerations for Carers in Grand Rapids

Caring in Grand Rapids comes with local challenges:

  • Cold, snowy winters can increase the risk of falls, respiratory illnesses, and isolation for older adults and people with disabilities.
  • Seasonal flu, RSV, and COVID-19 circulation can be higher in colder months, making vaccination and infection control especially important.
  • Great Lakes weather can affect transportation and access to appointments, especially in rural areas around Kent County.

Carers should:

  • Plan ahead for winter appointments and transportation
  • Ask healthcare providers about flu, COVID-19, and other recommended vaccines for both the carer and the person cared for
  • Seek support if seasonal stress, depression, or burnout becomes overwhelming

Where to Get Help in Grand Rapids, Michigan

If you are a carer in Grand Rapids, you do not have to manage everything alone. Support can come from:

  • Your primary care provider (GP/doctor)

    • Can help manage your health and the health of the person you care for
    • Can refer you to specialists, home health, or community services

  • Major Grand Rapids health systems

    • Corewell Health (Spectrum Health) – Hospitals, clinics, home health, and specialty care
    • Trinity Health Grand Rapids – Hospital and outpatient services
    • Metro Health – University of Michigan Health – Hospital and network of clinics
    • Mercy Health – Various clinics and services in the region

  • Kent County Health Department

    • Public health nursing, immunizations, chronic disease programs, and community resource referrals

  • Area Agency on Aging of Western Michigan

    • Caregiver support programs, respite services, and information for seniors and carers:
      https://www.aaawm.org

If you believe your rights as a carer—or the rights of the person you care for—have been violated, consider:

  • Talking with the hospital or clinic’s patient relations department
  • Contacting Legal Aid of Western Michigan or Michigan Legal Help for guidance
  • Speaking with Disability Rights Michigan if disability rights may be involved

Looking After Yourself as a Carer

Carers in Grand Rapids often juggle work, family, and caregiving, especially during demanding winter months. It is important to:

  • Keep up with your own medical check-ups
  • Ask about respite care or short breaks through local agencies
  • Seek emotional support from counseling, support groups, or faith and community organizations
  • Use local resources like the Area Agency on Aging and Kent County Health Department to find caregiver programs

By knowing your rights and the resources available in Grand Rapids, you can better advocate for yourself and the person you care for—and maintain your own health and wellbeing while providing essential care in our West Michigan community.