Placing a parent or loved one in a nursing home is an act of trust – trust that they will be cared for, kept safe, and treated with dignity. Tragically, that trust is sometimes broken. Nursing home abuse and neglect are more common than many families realize, and the victims are often the least able to speak up for themselves.
Here is how to recognize the warning signs, and what your family can do if you suspect your loved one is being harmed.
Abuse and Neglect Are Not the Same Thing
It helps to understand the difference. Abuse is intentional harm – physical, emotional, sexual, or financial. Neglect is the failure to provide adequate care, such as proper food, hydration, hygiene, medication, or supervision. Both are serious, and both can cause devastating, even fatal, harm to a vulnerable resident. In California, nursing homes have a legal duty to provide a reasonable standard of care, and when they fail, they can be held accountable.
Warning Signs to Watch For
Because many residents cannot or will not report mistreatment, families need to stay alert. Possible signs include:
- Unexplained injuries – bruises, cuts, fractures, or bedsores (pressure ulcers)
- Sudden weight loss, dehydration, or poor hygiene
- Withdrawal, fear, agitation, or other personality changes
- Unsanitary conditions or signs of inadequate staffing
- Unexplained financial transactions or missing belongings
What to Do If You Suspect Abuse
If your loved one is in immediate danger, call 911. Otherwise, document everything you observe – photos, dates, and details – and report your concerns. California has resources for this, including the Long-Term Care Ombudsman program and Adult Protective Services. You can also pursue a civil claim against the facility, which not only seeks compensation for your loved one but can help force the changes that protect other residents, too.
Your Family’s Legal Rights
When a nursing home’s abuse or neglect causes harm, California law allows victims and their families to seek compensation – for medical costs, pain and suffering, and more – and in cases of especially egregious conduct, additional damages may apply. These cases can be complex, often involving understaffing, poor training, or a pattern of neglect, which is exactly why experienced guidance matters.
No family should discover that the people entrusted with a loved one’s care caused them harm. If you suspect nursing home abuse or neglect in California, Ellin Mardirosian Law offers a free consultation to help you protect your loved one and understand your options.
Helpful Resources & Links
Practice Areas – Ellin Mardirosian Law
Free Consultation – Contact Us
Website by Inspirovate Creatives
National Institute on Aging – Elder Abuse
California Department of Aging – Long-Term Care Ombudsman
Free consultation with Ellin Mardirosian Law – call (747) 310-5200. Representing accident and injury victims across California and Nevada. Fluent in English, Spanish, and Armenian.
Disclaimer: This article is general information about California (and, where noted, Nevada) law, not legal advice, and does not create an attorney-client relationship. Every case is different – for guidance on your situation, speak with a licensed attorney.
