Nursing Home Abuse
You and your family deserve the right to be safe
Your elderly family members, loved ones and friends have the right to be safe and secure during their stay at a nursing home or assisted living facility. They also deserve to feel safe and secure at those facilities. Sadly, this is not always the case.
It may be that you relied upon a nursing home, residential care facility, or assisted living facility to provide care for yourself, or for the care of a family member or loved one, and now you are concerned there may have been abuse.
There are many forms that abuse can take extending from neglect to physical acts. Most vulnerable to such abuse, include those with dementia or disabilities. No matter what form it takes, nursing home abuse is illegal and needs to be stopped. In a survey published by The National Center on Elder Abuse, it was reported that elders who experience abuse had a 300% higher risk of death than those who had not been abused.
Incidents of abuse should be immediately reported to the appropriate authorities. This can be challenging as often family, friends, and loved ones may not be aware of such abuse, and the the person in the nursing home may be reluctant to report such abuse out of fear of retaliation.
How you can help: Know the Signs of Abuse
Physical Injuries
- Untimely or unexplained death
- Infected bedsores or pressure ulcers
- Unexpected falls
- Unexplained injuries like broken bones and sprains, head injuries, bruises,
- burns, cuts or abrasions
- Medication errors or overdoses
Neglect
- Malnutrition and dehydration
- Unsanitary or unclean conditions
Emotional or Behavioral Changes
- Agitation, withdrawal or fear
- Frequent crying
- Complaints of poor treatment
Wrongful Death in Nursing Homes and Residential Care Facilities
If your family member, or loved one one passed away suddenly or unexpectedly in a nursing home or residential care facility, and you believe that neglect or abuse was involved, you may be entitled to compensation. If this occurs, Keehn Law is here for you. By taking legal action, you may deter such a tragedy from afflicting to another family. It is meaningful and significant to hold those who may be responsible accountable.
Complaints by your family member or loved one in the nursing home should be noted with concern and investigated. When you visit your family member, relative or loved one, be sure to check their physical condition and attitude and determine if there are welts, bruises, bedsores, or wounds.
If your loved one, family member or relative is living in a nursing home, it is necessary that you closely observe their demeanor, attitude and health condition. Persons who have suffered abuse and neglect show the following signs:
- Frequent complaints stating they are not receiving the appropriate care
- Frequent and unexplainable mood changes
- Bruises and swells that cannot be explained
- Withdrawing, passive, or emotionless behavior
- Dehydration
- Disorientation or confusion
- Unexplainable lesions
- Bed sores
- Personal hygiene- especially where unable to care for themselves.
You can help by observing, listening and taking action.
Report Suspected Abuse:
California Ombudsman
1-800-231-4024
Nursing Home Abuse in San Diego:
Ombudsman San Diego
Report Nursing Home in Southern California:
(310) 393-3618
Report Nursing Home Abuse Riverside County:
http://dpss.co.riverside.ca.us/adult-services-division/adult-protective-services/how-to-report
Report Nursing Home Abuse Orange County:
http://ssa.ocgov.com/abuse/elder/making
Report Elder Abuse in Los Angeles:
Ombudsman LA
Reporting Elder Abuse in CA:
Los Angeles California
In addition to calling California APS, if your aging loved one has experienced abuse or neglect in connection with a care facility, you should also make a report with your local county Long-Term Care Ombudsman. The toll-free 24-hour crisis line is a good place to start: (800) 231-4024. And you can get in contact with your local ombudsman program through this county directory at the California Department of Aging.
If the elder abuse or exploitation you detect is in reference to Medicare or Medi-Cal services, reach out to the Bureau of Medi-Cal Fraud & Elder Abuse Hotline at (800) 722-0432. There is also an elder abuse reporting form you can fill out online regarding Medi-Cal Fraud or elder abuse.
For elder abuse with regards to In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS), the agency you to contact the California Department of Health Care Services IHSS Fraud Hotline at (800) 822-6222; you will be able report the abuse without giving your name over the phone or by email. You can contact and provide information of elder abuse or neglect that you’ve witnessed.
By taking action, you are providing your relative in crisis a chance for recovery and safety from the threat of mistreatment in the future. Your family member has a right to a life free from fear and additional suffering. Taking action can be the turning point for your loved one.
If you believe that a family member, relative or loved one has had their legal rights violated, contact a nursing home abuse lawyer. A lawyer will fight to ensure that your loved one receives proper care, and that you and your family holds the wrongdoer accountable and financial compensation that you deserve.