Personal Injury Attorneys

Nursing Home Abuse in California

The elderly population in the United States is on the rise and is growing faster than any other age group. As our loved ones grow older, it is not all that uncommon for some of them to need assistance from others, especially if they can no longer care for themselves. With an increase in the elderly population comes an increase in the need for nursing homes, in-home caregivers, and assisted living facilities. In California, it is projected that those most likely to need nursing homes or other assisted care will nearly double by 2030. As more people enter nursing homes and other long-term care facilities, we will likely see an unfortunate increase in incidences of abuse and neglect by caregivers.

Nursing home and elder abuse is not unusual in California. In 2009, approximately thirteen percent of all complaints to the California Office of the State Long Term Care Ombudsman involved gross neglect, abuse, or exploitation, which was over twice the national rate of five percent. Abuse can take the form of sexual exploitation, financial extortion, neglect, and lack of adequate care. Abuse can result in serious illnesses, infections, broken bones, malnutrition, dehydration, and even death. Because so often the victims of this abuse cannot speak for themselves, our California personal injury attorneys can provide them with a voice, and can make sure their rights are adequately protected.

California law takes a tough stance on abuse that occurs in nursing homes and other long-term care facilities. The attorneys at Robins Cloud LLP have extensive experience representing clients who have been the victims of abuse. If your loved one has been the victim of nursing home abuse, we will fight to protect their wellbeing, and make sure they are compensated to the fullest extent possible.

Signs That Your Loved One May Be the Victim of Abuse or Neglect

Even if your loved one can’t communicate with you or won’t talk to you about any negative experiences with caregivers, there are certain signs that may be indicative of abuse. If your loved one jumps or cringes at sudden movements or loud noises when they never did so in the past, these behaviors could be evidence that your loved one is being physically, mentally, or even sexually abused. In addition, sudden anxiety, mumbling, and rocking back and forth could be signs of mistreatment. Moreover, unexplained bruises and dirty, torn, or bloody clothing are common among abuse victims. Other warning signs that you may want to watch for include:

• Bruises or scrapes around the wrists and/or ankles. These bruises or scrapes could be signs of physical restraint. In most cases, residents of care facilities have the freedom to move around as they choose unless they are a danger or threat to themselves or others. But even if they are dangerous or threatening, or if an emergency arises, caregivers usually must have express written orders from a patient’s doctor to legally restrain the patient.
• Unexplained dehydration or weight loss. If your loved one is experiencing sudden dehydration or weight loss, it could be a sign that they are being neglected or that a caregiver has failed to provide them with dietary requirements. Caregivers must provide adequate nutrition and fluids, and have a duty to make sure your loved one is eating and drinking as necessary. If your loved one is refusing to eat or drink, then caregivers must immediately report this to your loved one’s doctor. If your loved one has unexplained dehydration and/or weight loss, and there is no report that they are refusing food and drink, then your loved one may be a victim of abuse or neglect.
• Unusual or inexplicable financial hardships. If your loved one has failed to pay bills, has unexplained withdrawals from their bank account, is spending frivolously, or is having other financial issues, they may be a victim of exploitation. Be sure to keep tabs on your loved one’s finances in order to prevent issues like these.