Southern California Nursing Home Abuse Lawyer Blog
Do you have an elderly loved one in a nursing home in San Bernardino County or elsewhere in Southern California? If so, it is critical that you learn more about identifying signs of nursing home abuse and neglect, and that you learn about your options for reporting it. Much too often, when a visitor at a nursing home or assisted-living facility suspects abuse or neglect, they do not know who they should alert to their concerns or what steps to take in order to have their concerns addressed. Many people also worry that they will report their concerns when there is insufficient evidence, or when they are not completely certain that neglect or abuse has occurred.
If you have any concerns at all about nursing home abuse or neglect — including abuse or neglect in an assisted-living facility or another type of residential care facility for the elderly (RCFE) in Southern California — it is important to report it. You might just save your own loved one from further harm, as well as other residents at the facility. How do you make a report? There are different options you can consider.
Identify and Record Abuse and Neglect Concerns
First, keep a written record of any of the signs of abuse or neglect that concern you. You can make a voice memo to yourself, type out your concerns in an email or on your phone notes, or even make a handwritten note with pen and paper. If possible, you should also gather any relevant evidence, such as photographs, that may be useful.
Seek Advice from a San Bernardino County Nursing Home Abuse and Neglect Attorney
Whether you report your concerns by one of the methods below and want to find out about filing a claim against the facility, or you want to receive advice about your concerns before making an official report, you should get in touch with an experienced attorney in San Bernardino County who handles elder abuse and neglect cases. A lawyer can listen to your concerns and assess the case, and can provide you with more information that can help you as you move forward with a report and/or a civil lawsuit.
Decide How to Report Your Concerns
There are a few different ways that you can report your concerns about elder abuse or neglect in a San Bernardino County nursing home or assisted-living facility:
- Call 911 to make a report for any emergency concerns;
- Contact the local police department to make a report;
- Call the Adult Protective Services hotline in San Bernardino County at 1-877-565-2020;
- Contact the Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program; or
- Get in touch with the California Department of Social Services.
Contact Our San Bernardino County Nursing Home Abuse and Neglect Lawyers for Assistance
If you have any questions about identifying nursing home abuse or neglect, reporting it, or filing a claim to hold the facility accountable, our firm can help. One of our experienced San Bernardino County nursing home neglect and abuse attorneys can speak with you today and can answer any questions you have. Contact the Walton Law Firm to learn more about how we assist elderly nursing home residents and their families in Southern California.
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