If your loved one decides to enter an assisted living facility, or you decide on their behalf, then you may have expectations for how they will be cared for. There should never be an excuse for why these expectations are not being met. And even further, there should never be an excuse for why abuse is occurring in these care facilities. Read on to discover what steps you should take if you notice negligence occurring in such a facility and how a seasoned California assisted living facility abuse lawyer at Cowdrey & Jenkins LLP can help you determine what to do.
What is an assisted living facility?
Essentially, an assisted living facility is a type of housing facility for individuals who cannot or choose not to live independently. Such a facility is meant to provide these individuals with daily care. However, the level of care is not as much as what is needed in a nursing home facility. This is because individuals who enter assisted living may still be capable of performing daily tasks such as bathing, dressing, and eating.
How may abuse occur in an assisted living facility?
You have a right to trust that your loved one will receive the level of help they require in their new community. However, it is an unfortunate truth that negligence or abuse has been reported to occur in assisted living facilities. And so, you have a duty to still look out for your loved one’s safety when they are in this care. Signs of negligence and abuse that you should make note of include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Your loved one has an unexplainable shift in behavior.
- Your loved one has unexplainable bruises or cuts on their body.
- Your loved one has experienced an unexplainable fall.
- Your loved one has bedsores or pressure sores that are easily preventable.
- Your loved one has missing cash or possessions that you cannot track down.
- Your loved one expresses nervousness around certain staff members
- Your loved one expresses complaints about dangerous conditions.
What should I do if I notice abuse occurring in an assisted living facility?
There are certain initiatives you should take as soon as you have an inkling of abuse occurring in your loved one’s assisted living facility. They read as follows:
- Document the incident with photos, videos, witness testimonies, etc.
- Report the incident to the Long-Term Care Ombudsman CRISISline at 1-800-231-4024.
- Report the incident to the California Department of Social Services at 1-844-538-8766.
- Employ a competent California elder abuse lawyer from Cowdrey & Jenkins LLP to file a lawsuit.
Do not let abuse persist any further for your loved one and other members of the negligent assisted living facility. We urgently request that you pick up the phone and give us a call today.