When a family learns or suspects that their elderly loved one has experienced
some form of abuse or neglect from their caretaker or nursing home facility,
it can be difficult to know where to turn for help. The state of California
operates numerous agencies to assist families in this predicament, report
any wrongdoing and seek new accommodations for their loved one. We review
just some of these resources below.
Adult Protective Services (APS)
Adult Protective Services helps elderly and disabled adults who are victims
of alleged abuse or neglect, whether the abuse occurs in private residences
or medical facilities. This agency cross reports their findings with law
enforcement agencies and other state agencies (such as the California
Department of Health Services) to facilitate thorough evaluations and
pursue criminal charges against suspected offenders.
California Department of Aging (CDA)
The mission of the California Department of Aging is to ensure that elderly
citizens have the state resources and services they need to live life
to the fullest. The organization also has a directory of local ombudsman
services for every county in the state for affected families to report
any elder abuse or neglect. They also provide access to the Long-Term
Care Ombudsman Program.
California Courts: Elder & Dependent Adult Abuse
The California Courts website provides its own page on elder and dependent
adult abuse and the remedies it can provide if legal action needs to be
taken against any offenders (such as restraining orders). It also provides
links to help families find counselors and useful, clear definitions of
legal terms that could be relevant to families considering further legal action.
Taking Legal Action
In California, we're fortunate to have a number of different agencies
looking out for the quality of life of our elderly loved ones. However,
the remedies that state agencies provide can vary, be slow-moving, or
insufficient. If you suspect that your elderly family member has suffered
neglect or abuse at the hands of a caretaker, it is absolutely advised
that you seek legal counsel. A proven and experienced Los Angeles elder
abuse attorney can help you take swift and decisive action to secure the
well-being of your elderly family member and seek compensation for any
wrongdoing they have suffered.
LINKS:
Do you believe that your loved one has been a victim of elder abuse in
their nursing home or assisted living facility? If so, we invite you to contact
Norman Taylor & Associates. Our legal team has more than 50 years of combined experience and knows
that it takes to recover results for client families during this difficult time.
Don't hesitate to start assessing your legal options. Use our online
form to request a free case evaluation today.