It can be difficult to identify nursing home abuse in California, and reporting it is the next step. Since you are reading this, you have likely spotted one or more of the warning signs. You may have doubts as to whether you are correct in suspecting that there is something wrong. After all, elders bruise easily, and cognitive decline can lead them to accuse others of outrageous things or leave them unable to speak at all.
Nevertheless, you should never just assume you are mistaken. If you notice one or more of these signs, you should be deeply concerned and report the matter as soon as you can and contact a Sherman Oaks nursing home abuse attorney at Diarian & Bociaga today. Prompt action may even save lives.
Red Flags That May Indicate Nursing Home Abuse
You know your elder like nobody else does, and although age can bring about disturbing changes, a sudden change in their general mood and outlook could be a warning sign. Be alert for signs of fear, depression, or a marked change in their moods or overall health. Apart from things they may say, your elders may be victims of nursing home abuse if:
- You can see bruising from rough handling or the use of restraints.
- There are signs of sexual abuse, or your elder contracts an STD.
- Your elder exhibits sudden weight loss.
- You notice poor personal hygiene or unsanitary conditions.
- The nursing home limits access to your elderly relative or friend.
- You receive frequent reports of “falls” or “accidents.”
- There are signs of poor medication management or overmedication, for example, hallucinations or sedation.
- You witness staff treating other elders roughly or rudely.
- You notice inexplicable financial transactions or a marked increase in spending.
- Personal belongings disappear without explanation.
Most nursing homes work hard to keep elders safe and well-cared-for, but there are always exceptions. Even when management has good intentions, poor supervision may allow individual staff members to harm patients or scam elders out of their money.
Sometimes, harm comes from pure neglect rather than overt abuse. Although you may sympathize with over-extended nursing home workers, the consequences of neglect can be as bad as those of a physical attack. Sadly, there are many nursing home horror stories, and even luxury nursing homes have been implicated in the past.
How to Report Nursing Home Abuse in California
If you believe that your elder is in immediate danger, call 911. If you do not think they are in immediate danger, you have several options for reporting elder abuse or neglect.
- Report to the Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program.
- Call the California Department of Public Health.
- Contact the California Department of Social Services.
- Report the matter to your local police or sheriff’s department.
These organizations will move forward by investigating conditions and taking relevant actions that may protect all residents in the nursing home, not just your loved one. However, you will still need a lawyer if you hope to help your elder sue for compensation.
This may be very necessary since your loved one may need costly medical attention, relocation, and may have had money or possessions stolen. Government institutions will handle any criminal prosecutions, but the nursing home itself is liable in civil lawsuits since it failed in its duty of care.
Whatever else you do, be sure to report nursing home abuse if you suspect it. Your report can save vulnerable people and put a stop to abuses that should never have happened in the first place.