The Nursing Home Law Center is committed to providing the legal resources necessary to hold negligent facilities accountable.
California Nursing Home Abuse Lawyer
Speak with a California nursing home abuse lawyer for a free consultation and to learn more about your rights under California law. We work exclusively with nursing home abuse & neglect, assisted living, and elder abuse claims.
Nursing home abuse is a pervasive issue that affects some of the most vulnerable California residents—elderly and dependent adults who rely on nursing homes or assisted living facilities for care and support. Tragically, nursing home abuse and neglect in these facilities can lead to devastating physical harm, emotional trauma, and financial abuse and exploitation.
If you suspect that your loved one has suffered mistreatment in a nursing home and has experienced physical abuse or psychological abuse, it’s crucial to take action. Broken bones, bed sores, poor hygiene, and emotional abuse are simply inexcusable.
Why Hire A California Nursing Home Abuse Lawyer?
An experienced California nursing home abuse lawyer can help you uncover the truth, hold negligent facilities accountable, and pursue justice and financial compensation from the nursing home and its insurance company.
Don’t let your loved one’s suffering go unheard—reach out today to protect their rights and dignity. Our California nursing home abuse neglect and attorneys accept cases statewide.
Your Trusted Advocates Against Nursing Home Abuse & Neglect
At Nursing Home Law Center, our priority is to obtain justice and fair compensation for those affected by neglect or abuse in a California nursing home.
As one of the top California nursing home abuse law firms, our dedicated legal team has successfully managed numerous cases in Los Angeles, San Diego, San Francisco, and throughout the state, securing meaningful settlements and verdicts from the nursing home or their insurance company, including:
- $4,656,700 Pressure Sore Verdict – A California skilled nursing facility was held liable for allowing a rehabilitation patient to develop severe, untreated pressure sores. During the trial, the facility argued the wounds were unpreventable due to the nursing home resident’s advanced age. The jury disagreed, awarding a substantial verdict for the facility’s neglect.
- $2,100,000 Dementia Patient Settlement – A dementia patient in a California nursing home fell down a stairwell that was supposed to be locked. The fall resulted in a traumatic brain injury, a broken leg, multiple rib fractures, and a spinal compression fracture. The settlement compensated for the facility’s failure to secure the premises, ensuring resident safety.
- $1,610,000 Wrongful Death Settlement – The family of a California man who developed a pressure sore that became infected and led to sepsis received a settlement. The case revealed the nursing home’s failure to provide timely intervention for the preventable condition.
- $1,595,000 Nursing Home Sexual Assault Settlement – A disabled woman in a California nursing facility was allegedly assaulted by a staff member. Investigations revealed the facility failed to conduct a background check, which would have uncovered the staff member’s prior convictions. The settlement reflected the egregious oversight in hiring practices.
- $1,300,000 Pressure Sore Settlement – The family of an 88-year-old California man received a settlement after he developed multiple pressure sores during his stay at a senior care facility. Evidence showed staff knew about the wounds but failed to provide the necessary care to prevent further complications.
- $805,500 Burn Injury Settlement – A California nursing home resident suffered severe burns when staff failed to test the water temperature before placing the resident in a bathtub. The settlement addressed the facility’s lack of basic safety precautions.
- $799,000 Hoyer Lift Accident Recovery – A woman in a California facility sustained bilateral hip fractures after being dropped from a Hoyer lift while staff attempted to transfer her to a wheelchair. The lawsuit revealed the staff had not received proper training, resulting in the settlement.
Our nursing home abuse attorneys leave no stone unturned in our investigations, ensuring that every aspect of the nursing home abuse—whether it be medical costs, emotional distress, or other related damages—is thoroughly addressed. Leveraging our in-depth knowledge of nursing home abuse claims, we skillfully handle each case and work relentlessly to defend wrongfully injured nursing home residents.
Throughout the legal process, we offer compassionate guidance and maintain open communication so you and your family stay informed, supported, and confident at every step. Get in touch now to discuss your California nursing home neglect, abuse, or wrongful injury case.
Nursing home abuse occurs when a caregiver intentionally harms a nursing home resident or fails to provide essential care, leading to serious injuries, suffering, or wrongful death. Our nursing home abuse lawyers handle various forms of elder abuse that occur in nursing homes and assisted living facilities, including:
California Cites We Serve
Anaheim | Bakersfield |
Chula Vista | Fontana |
Fremont | Fresno |
Irvine | Long Beach |
Los Angeles | Oakland |
Oxnard | Redding |
Riverside | Sacramento |
San Bernardino | San Diego |
San Francisco | San Jose |
Santa Ana |
Types of Cases We Handle
Nursing home neglect and nursing home abuse occur when a caregiver knowingly harms a resident or fails to provide essential care, causing injuries, suffering, or even death. Our nursing home abuse attorneys handle various forms of elder abuse in long-term facilities, including physical harm and abuse, emotional manipulation, and sexual misconduct. Our nursing home abuse attorneys also address cases of medical malpractice, nursing home negligence leading to preventable accidents, and financial abuse and exploitation.
In the most devastating situations, nursing home abuse or neglect can result in death, underscoring the need for quick action. If your family member is a nursing home abuse victim, contact Nursing Home Law Center today to arrange a free consultation with our California nursing home abuse attorney.
Eligibility to File a Nursing Home Abuse Claim
When you suspect that a loved one has been neglected or harmed in a California nursing home, you may be able to file a claim on their behalf. Typically, close family members, legal guardians, or those with power of attorney for the resident have the right to do so, and if the resident is healthy and mentally capable, they can file on their own behalf as well.
If the resident passes away because of nursing home neglect, surviving relatives may be able to file a wrongful death claim against healthcare facilities and other liable parties. It’s important to act within time limits set by state laws, so don’t wait to speak with a California nursing home abuse lawyer to learn more about your options.
Contact the team at Nursing Home Law Center today to speak with our elder abuse attorneys.
Damages You Can Recover Through a Nursing Home Abuse Claim
When filing a California nursing home abuse claim, the nursing home abuse victim and their family may be entitled to recover various types of damages, including:
Economic Damages
Economic damages are tangible costs that can be calculated with certainty, usually by looking at receipts and other financial documents. Examples of economic damages in a California nursing home abuse case include:
- Medical expenses
- Rehabilitation costs
- Relocation costs
- Lost wages or financial support
Non-Economic Damages
Non-economic damages compensate for the emotional and psychological harm that results from abuse. These are more subjective and harder to quantify but are often significant in elder abuse cases. Examples include:
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of companionship
Punitive Damages
In some cases, punitive damages may be awarded. These are meant to punish the responsible parties and deter others from engaging in similar misconduct in the future. Punitive damages are typically awarded when the nursing home abuse was particularly egregious or the nursing home acted with gross negligence or intentional harm.
To determine the types of damages you’re entitled to as well as how much the case could be worth, contact Nursing Home Law Center today to speak with our nursing home abuse attorneys.
Liability in Nursing Home Abuse and Neglect Cases
When someone in a California nursing home gets hurt, there can be many people or organizations at fault. The facility itself might be liable for nursing home abuse if it lacks proper policies, hiring practices, or safe conditions. Nursing home staff members who neglect nursing home residents, commit nursing home abuse or ignore care plans could be responsible as well.
Medical professionals could also share in that liability if they don’t treat or monitor health issues appropriately. Even outside contractors can be held accountable if their nursing home negligence – like failing to maintain equipment or secure the premises – leads to a resident’s nursing home injury.
If your loved one has been harmed by any of these parties, contact Nursing Home Law Center today to speak with an experienced California nursing home injury lawyer.
The Cost of Hiring a California Elder Abuse Lawyer
At Nursing Home Law Center, we understand that pursuing justice shouldn’t add financial stress. That’s why our California nursing home abuse lawyers work on a contingency fee basis. This means you won’t have to pay any upfront fees or out-of-pocket costs.
Our fees are only collected if we win your nursing home abuse case, either through a settlement or verdict. This allows you and your family to focus on healing and protecting your loved one without worrying about legal costs.
You Have Limited Time to Take Legal Action in California
In California, there is a specific timeframe, known as the statute of limitations, within which you must file a nursing home abuse claim. For most elder abuse cases, you generally have two to three years from the date of the abuse or when the abuse was discovered to take legal action.
However, this timeframe can vary depending on the circumstances, such as whether the nursing home abuse involved medical malpractice or resulted in wrongful death. Failing to file within this period can result in losing your right to pursue compensation.
It’s crucial to consult an experienced nursing home abuse attorney who understands California law as soon as possible to ensure your nursing home abuse case is filed on time and your rights are protected.
Common Injury and Elder Abuse Types In California Nursing Homes
Explain the importance of identifying abuse early. Include specific statistics about unreported abuse and its implications.
Many older adults rely on nursing homes for daily care and support, but some are at risk of nursing home negligence or mistreatment. Studies show that 1 in 10 senior citizens experience some form of nursing home abuse, yet a large share of these cases remain unreported. Some common injuries and types of elder abuse include the following:
Bed Sores & Pressure Ulcers
Bed sores are a common injury from elder abuse. Bed sores happen when residents aren’t moved or repositioned often enough to reduce pressure on certain parts of the body. Bed sore injuries can lead to open wounds, serious infections, and lasting pain if not managed quickly. In severe cases, complications such as sepsis or gangrene may develop from bed sores.
Broken Bones and Fractures
These injuries can happen when residents fall or are physically abused, highlighting possible neglect or unsafe conditions. Breaks and fractures can cause severe pain and limited mobility, particularly for older adults who might already have weaker bones. Prolonged immobilization can lead to further complications like bed sores or blood clots.
Choking
Choking incidents often result from staff neglecting swallowing difficulties or failing to adjust diets. This can severely restrict oxygen flow, leading to brain damage or death if not addressed quickly. Proper training in safe feeding practices helps lower the risk of choking.
Dehydration and Weight Loss
Inadequate hydration and poor nutrition can occur when staff overlook dietary plans, fail to offer fluids regularly, or ignore a resident’s special feeding needs. This puts residents at risk of serious complications, such as kidney failure and increased hospital stays. Unintentional weight loss may weaken the immune system, leading to more frequent illnesses.
Elopement
Elopement involves a resident leaving the healthcare facility without authorization, which can happen when staff overlook exit security or fail to supervise individuals prone to wandering. Residents with dementia or cognitive impairments face particular danger if they leave since they may be unable to seek help or find their way back to the facility.
Falls
Falls remain a leading cause of hospital visits among older adults. Unsafe conditions such as cluttered floors, poor lighting, improper fall prevention plans, or lack of grab bars raise the risk of slipping or tripping. A fall can lead to broken bones, head trauma, or loss of independence.
Medication Errors
Medication errors include giving the wrong dose, delivering the wrong type of medication, or failing to provide elderly patients with their scheduled medication. This can worsen existing health conditions or trigger dangerous side effects and withdrawal symptoms. Nurses and aides must closely follow prescription regimens and verify all medications before administering them.
Physical Abuse and Assault
Physical abuse and assault may take the form of slapping, shaking, pushing, or other blatant forms of violence. This can cause immediate injuries, long-term disabilities, and emotional trauma for the victim. In some cases, these attacks go unreported due to fear or communication barriers.
Sexual Abuse
Sexual abuse in nursing homes involves any unwelcome sexual advances or actions. Nursing home residents may be especially vulnerable if they have cognitive impairments or are mobility-limited. Besides lasting physical injuries, this kind of nursing home abuse can cause deep emotional and psychological trauma.
Identifying and addressing signs of injury or nursing home abuse is crucial for keeping nursing home residents safe. If you or someone you love is experiencing neglect or mistreatment, reach out to Nursing Home Law Center to discuss possible California nursing home abuse cases.
Recognizing The Signs of Abuse in California Nursing Homes
When abuse occurs in nursing homes and goes undetected, nursing home residents can suffer significant harm. Understanding potential injuries and types of abuse allows loved ones and other professionals to know what signs to look out for.
Physical Signs of Abuse
Unexplained injuries, including bruises or fractures, marks from improper restraints on wrists or ankles, and recurring infections can all indicate potential neglect or elder abuse within a care facility.
Emotional and Psychological Signs of Abuse
Sudden changes in mood, fearfulness, and anxiety around particular nursing home staff, and deliberate social isolation are strong indicators that emotional elder abuse or intimidation may be occurring in a nursing home environment.
Signs of Neglect of Nursing Home Residents
Dirty clothing, soiled bedding, noticeable weight loss, and a resident wandering off unsupervised all point to inadequate care.
Financial Exploitation
Large withdrawals, missing checks, or suspicious new wills may indicate financial exploitation, while the disappearance of valuables like jewelry or cash points to a possible theft in an elder care facility.
Sexual Abuse Indicators
Physical symptoms like bruising and bleeding, sudden behavioral changes such as anxiety or depression, and unexplained STDs in nursing home residents can all indicate sexual abuse or exploitation.
Red Flags in Facility Conditions
Unsanitary living conditions, understaffing that leads to poor supervision, and frequent preventable hospital visits all suggest a significant level of neglect and elder abuse in a long-term care facility.
If you’re noticing any of these signs in someone you love, it’s essential to reach out for help. Nursing home abuse victims can’t always advocate for themselves when neglect occurs, so make sure you’re keeping an eye on them. Contact Nursing Home Law Center today to speak with our California nursing home abuse attorneys. We can help you report abuse to the Adult Protective Services (APS) and file a claim for appropriate compensation.
Exploring Elder Care Options and Recognizing California Nursing Home Abuse
California is experiencing a surge in its older population, with those aged 60 and over anticipated to form about 25% of the total population by 2030. As the number of older adults grows, the demand for professional care options rises as well. Many families turn to assisted living facilities to provide the physical help and emotional support elders need.
The Growing Issue of Elder Abuse
Unfortunately, the increase in senior populations has been accompanied by a heightened risk of abuse or neglect in elder care settings. Reports of elder abuse in California continue to occur, highlighting the need for policy changes and better enforcement mechanisms. Nursing home abuse victims often struggle to speak out, either due to fear of retaliation or uncertainty about their rights.
If you or someone you care about has been affected by elder abuse, contact Nursing Home Law Center for a free consultation today with one of our experienced elder abuse attorneys.
California Laws Protecting Seniors from Nursing Home Neglect and Abuse
In California, vulnerable senior citizens are protected under laws like the Elder Abuse and Dependent Adult Civil Protection Act, which holds caregivers responsible for neglect or violence, and the federal Nursing Home Reform Act, which sets minimum care standards nationwide.
Lawmakers in California often propose new amendments and bills to further strengthen these safeguards. For example, in 2022, Governor Newsom signed a bill that closed a loophole that lets some nursing home operators run unlicensed facilities (commonly known as “squatting”). It also strengthens oversight by requiring the Department of Public Health to examine an applicant’s history over several years before issuing a nursing home license, promoting better accountability.
If you suspect neglect or elder abuse, it’s important to alert the authorities and seek legal help right away to uphold your loved one’s rights.
You can also reach out to Nursing Home Law Center, and we can help you take the appropriate next steps to help your loved one.
How to Identify and Report Neglect in California Nursing Homes
If you’re concerned about possible neglect in a California nursing home, it’s important to know the telltale signs and understand the steps you can take to report abuse. Watch for alarming signs like sudden weight loss, bedsores, dehydration, unsanitary living conditions, and unexplained emotional changes.
If abuse occurs, document as much as you can. You can then call California’s APS to file a complaint and report abuse or neglect. In serious cases, contacting law enforcement or a qualified nursing home abuse attorney is also an option.
Resources for Reporting Nursing Home Abuse in California
Immediate Action: Call 911
If an elderly loved one faces an immediate threat to their health or safety.
Purpose: Ensures emergency services respond quickly to protect the individual from harm.
Adult Protective Services (APS)
APS investigates reports of elder abuse in nursing homes or private residences across California. There is a 24-hour APS hotline at 1-833-401-0832, with zip-code-specific connections to county units. Additionally, printable forms are available online for general abuse and financial abuse reporting.
Local Reporting Options
Below are the phone numbers for major California areas to make local reporting accessible:
Los Angeles: Contact local APS.
San Francisco/Bay Area: (415) 355-6700.
San Diego: Handled by local APS offices.
Sacramento: 916-874-9377.
Office of the State Long-Term Care Ombudsman
This office advocates for residents in long-term care facilities, addressing safety and quality-of-life issues. The CRISISline is available 24/7 at 1-800-231-4024 for abuse or neglect complaints. Nursing homes must visibly display Ombudsman contact details.
Division of Medi-Cal Fraud & Elder Abuse (DMFEA)
DMFEA investigates cases of Medi-Cal fraud and elder abuse. If necessary, call 1-800-722-0432 to report suspected abuse or fraud. You can also submit detailed information online via the DMFEA complaint form.
California Department of Public Health (CDPH)
CDPH investigates complaints about California healthcare facilities involving abuse, neglect, fraud, or licensing violations. You can use the CDPH online portal to search for facilities and file reports with specific details.
Legal Obligations
State law encourages anyone who suspects elder abuse to come forward without fear of punishment if the claims don’t end up being true. Reporting in good faith means you won’t face legal consequences just because the allegations turn out to be unsubstantiated.
If you fail to report elder abuse when you’re legally required to do so, you could face a fine as high as $5,000 and spend up to a year in jail. This law is meant to encourage immediate action when a vulnerable senior’s safety is at stake.
Additional Legal Support
If you’re confused about reporting requirements or running into roadblocks with authorities, consider reaching out to a California nursing home abuse lawyer. We can guide you through the reporting process and help you explore legal action if that’s the best way to protect your loved one.
Annual Inspections of California Nursing Homes: What You Should Know
Each year, California’s Department of Public Health inspects nursing homes to ensure they meet health and safety regulations. These inspections help produce ratings that families might rely on when searching for quality care. However, a high rating isn’t a guarantee that abuse and neglect of senior citizens won’t occur. It’s always important to stay alert for any warning signs and speak up if you notice something concerning.
Worst Nursing Homes in California
As of 2024, nursing homes across the country had 120,000 fewer staff members than before the pandemic, and 99% note that unfilled positions remain a problem. Even though California has fewer staffing shortages and a lower turnover rate compared to other states, not all facilities in the state meet the same standards of care. Below is a look at some of the worst nursing homes in California.
Worst Nursing Homes in Los Angeles
There are almost 450 nursing homes in the Los Angeles region. As of December 2024, there were many 1-star nursing homes in Los Angeles – at least 78 – and many others that had low ratings and serious deficiencies. Some of the worst nursing homes in Los Angeles include:
- Avalon Villa Care Center: Ronald Anderson filed a lawsuit against Avalon Villa Health Care, LLC, alleging that they unlawfully discharged him after a year of foot surgery recovery, leaving him on Los Angeles’s Skid Row. He sued the Southern California nursing home for intentional infliction of emotional distress, dependent adult abuse, breach of fiduciary duty, and nursing home negligence.
- Imperial Care Center: In December 2023, Imperial Care Center had two deficiencies, one of the most troubling being the failure to protect each resident from all types of abuse. Specifically, a CNA neglected a resident (Resident 1) who was at risk of falls. Additionally, the facility failed to supervise two residents who were not supposed to be alone together.
This led to Resident 1 being physically assaulted by the other resident, causing pain, bleeding, and increased anxiety. This put Resident 2 at high risk of further emotional distress and potential suicide due to their anxiety disorder and history of suicidal ideation, such as physical, mental, sex abuse, physical punishment, and neglect.
- California Post-Acute Care: In March 2024, this California healthcare facility was cited for failure to protect each resident from all types of abuse, such as physical, mental, and sexual abuse, physical punishment, and neglect by anybody.
Worst Nursing Homes In San Francisco
The San Francisco-Oakland, California, metropolitan area is home to 142 nursing homes. As of December 2024, there were at least nine 1-star nursing homes, as well as many other facilities with very low ratings and serious deficiencies. Some of the worst nursing homes in San Francisco include:
- Bridgeview Post Acute: In March of 2024, the Northern California facility in San Francisco was fined $41,438 and cited for multiple deficiencies. One of these included the failure to provide safe and appropriate respiratory care for a resident when needed. In June 2023, the San Francisco facility failed to provide appropriate pressure ulcer care and prevent new ulcers from developing.
- Jewish Home & Rehab Center D/P SNF: In August 2024, this facility in San Francisco failed to report abuse, neglect, or theft in a timely manner and report the results of the investigation to the proper authorities. The facility failed to report an allegation of verbal abuse by nursing staff and a physical therapist against a resident, despite the resident’s report to the social worker, which could lead to unaddressed abuse claims and potential harm to other residents.
Worst Nursing Homes in San Diego
The San Diego, California, metropolitan area has approximately 65 nursing homes. As of December 2024, there were five 1-star rated homes, as well as other facilities with serious complaints of abuse and neglect. Some of the worst nursing homes in San Diego include:
- Cottonwood Canyon Healthcare Center: According to reviews, Cottonwood Canyon offers such poor care – delayed pain medication, inadequate hygiene, and improper wound treatment – that one individual’s mother developed a severe infection requiring another amputation.
- Avocado Post Acute: This facility has drawn over 620 complaints since 2019 – four times the average for similarly large facilities. It involves substantiated claims of physical elder abuse, sexual abuse, and assaults, and one incident where a man was allegedly strangled by his roommate.
- Bayshire Torrey Pines Post-Acute: According to fines and deficiencies this facility incurred in January 2024, they failed to provide proper bowel and bladder care (including catheter care and UTI prevention) and also deprived elderly residents of their rights to dignity, self-determination, communication, and the ability to exercise those rights.
Worst Nursing Homes in Sacramento
Sacramento has around 50 nursing homes. As of December 2024, there were four 1-star rated homes and many other facilities with serious complaints of abuse and neglect. Some of the worst nursing homes in the Sacramento area include:
- Bridgewood Post Acute Sacramento: According to reviews, the facility failed to provide adequate care for a patient after spinal surgery, with a lack of hygiene, lack of essential supplies, rude staff, and unsafe conditions. The family removed him within 24 hours for his well-being.
- City Creek Post Acute – Sacramento: According to citations, this California nursing home has failed to respond appropriately to all alleged violations. Additionally, there have been instances of residents’ call lights not working, with staff not rectifying the situation appropriately, meaning residents couldn’t request help when needed.
- Midtown Oaks Post-Acute: Annette Dillard filed a lawsuit against Midtown Oaks Post-Acute, alleging wrongful death and nursing home negligence after her mother, Ethel Alspaw, died from a fall caused by inadequate care. The civil lawsuit claims the facility failed to implement safety measures despite Alspaw’s high fall risk, seeking damages for emotional distress and other losses.
Worst Nursing Homes in Glendora
Glendora has around 11 nursing homes. As of December 2024, 6 of these facilities were 1-star rated facilities. There are also many other facilities with serious complaints of abuse and neglect.
- Glendora Grand: Multiple lawsuits have been filed against this Glendora nursing home. One allegation was that a resident and CNA were in a verbal altercation, which led to the CNA cursing at the resident and kicking his wheelchair.
- Glendora Canyon Transitional Care Unit: Reviews from family members allege that the care at this nursing facility was appalling, with multiple instances of neglect, such as a call light moved out of reach, a patient left sitting in a soiled diaper, and a nursing aide failing to properly check on a loved one, blaming previous shifts for neglect.
- Gladstone Sub-Acute and Rehab Center: In June 2024, this facility failed to meet an elderly resident’s needs by not providing timely incontinence care to vulnerable seniors. Despite documentation that a resident required dependent assistance for toileting, the CNA delayed care due to prioritizing a roommate’s meal, violating the resident’s right to a dignified existence.
Finding Medi-Cal Certified Nursing Homes in California
Medi-Cal, California’s Medicaid program, helps cover costs for long-term care facilities for qualifying senior citizens (age 65+), unlike Medicare’s shorter coverage of up to 100 days. If you need a nursing home, choosing a Medi-Cal-certified facility safeguards you from eviction if personal funds deplete. These facilities can be found through the Cal Health Find database. With nursing home care fees so high, many older adults eventually become eligible for Medi-Cal, so it’s wise to plan ahead. If you opt for a non-certified facility and run out of money, you risk eviction.
If you have any questions about Medi-Cal, we can help. Contact Nursing Home Law Center to speak with a California nursing home abuse attorney.
Exclusive Veteran Support Services for California’s Elderly
California offers specialized care options for older veterans through CalVet, which manages a network of veteran-specific facilities providing skilled nursing, memory care, and assisted living. Eligibility typically requires California residency, certain military service lengths, and an honorable discharge.
CalVet also runs programs offering healthcare and financial assistance for qualifying seniors. If you have questions or want to learn about legal options for a loved one, contact Nursing Home Law Center today to speak with a nursing home abuse attorney.
Opting for In-Home Care as an Alternative to Nursing Facilities
If you’re concerned about elder abuse in nursing homes, removing your loved one and switching to in-home care might be an option. Programs like In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS), run by the Department of Social Services, can provide eligible seniors with help with meals, cleaning, and daily tasks, and the California Department of Aging offers additional resources for caregivers. To find local care options or if you’re dealing with issues like substandard care in a facility, contact Nursing Home Law Center for guidance on your legal next steps.
Latest News on California Nursing Home Regulations and Reform
California legislators continue to propose new rules that aim to improve the quality of nursing home care and better protect residents from elder abuse and neglect. Some recent updates include:
- Enhanced Discharge Information Requirements: Effective January 1, 2024, nursing homes are required to provide more comprehensive information before evicting residents, ensuring transparency and protecting resident rights.
- Mandatory Gerontology Education for Nurse Practitioners: Nurse practitioners serving a patient population with over 25% aged 65 or older are now required to complete at least 20% of their continuing education in gerontology, dementia care, or older patient care, improving the quality of care for seniors.
- Increased Minimum Wage for Healthcare Workers: As of October 2024, a new state law (Senate Bill 525, titled Minimum wages: health care workers) incrementally raised wages for healthcare workers, including those in nursing homes, to at least $25 per hour over the next decade. This is to address staffing shortages and improve patient care.
- Reintroduction of Mask Mandates in Healthcare Facilities: Starting November 1, 2024, several Bay Area counties have reinstated mask mandates in healthcare settings, including nursing homes, to mitigate the spread of respiratory illnesses during the cold and flu season.
Despite these improvements, nursing home abuse unfortunately still occurs in these facilities. If you’re dealing with nursing home neglect or abuse of a loved one and you need help, don’t hesitate to contact Nursing Home Law Center today to schedule a free consultation with a nursing home abuse attorney.
Contact A California Elder Abuse Lawyer Today
If your loved one has suffered an injury, neglect, or wrongful death in a California nursing home or assisted living facility, you don’t have to face this alone. Protect their rights and ensure justice is served by contacting the Nursing Home Law Center and speaking with a nursing home abuse attorney.
Our nursing home abuse attorneys are experienced in handling cases of elder abuse and nursing home negligence statewide, including in San Jose, Bakersfield, Fresno, Sacramento, and other cities across California. With a deep understanding of state and federal elder care laws, we are prepared to hold negligent facilities accountable and help your family recover compensation for medical costs, treatment for psychological abuse and trauma, and more.
At Nursing Home Law Center, we focus exclusively on representing victims of nursing home negligence and abuse. Let our years of specialized experience guide your family through this challenging time.
Receive a free California nursing home abuse attorney consultation today. Submit your case details online, live chat with our team, or call us now at (800) 926-7565 to discuss how we can help your family achieve justice.