How to Take Action if You Suspect Nursing Home Abuse or Neglect in Los Angeles County

Q: How Widespread Are Nursing Homes and Assisted Living Facilities in Los Angeles County

A: Los Angeles County has the largest concentration of elder care facilities in California. With nearly 400 nursing homes—close to one-third of all skilled nursing facilities in the state—and over 1,400 residential care and assisted living facilities, families across Los Angeles, Long Beach, Glendale, Pasadena, Santa Clarita, Inglewood, Torrance, and Downey often rely on these facilities. Unfortunately, with such a large network, problems of abuse and neglect are common.

Q: What Does California Law Consider Elder Abuse or Neglect?

A: California’s Elder Abuse Act defines abuse broadly. It includes physical abuse, neglect, abandonment, isolation, or any action (or failure to act) that results in physical harm, pain, or mental suffering. Abuse can be visible, such as bruises or broken bones, but neglect often shows up in more subtle ways: bed sores, rapid weight loss, dehydration, medication errors, or unexplained injuries. If you notice these red flags, it is critical to take action quickly.

Q: Can You Give Examples of How Neglect Might Appear in Real Cases?

A: Sadly, Nursing Home Law Group has seen countless situations like:

• Residents forced to walk alone to the restroom after unanswered call lights, leading to devastating falls and head injuries.
• Pressure sores ignored for weeks, resulting in infections so severe that amputation was required.
• Residents arriving at the hospital malnourished, dehydrated, and covered in bed sores despite records claiming they were “stable.”
• Disabled residents left untreated after medical devices dislodged, leading to life-threatening infections.

These cases highlight why families must stay vigilant and why legal action is often necessary to hold facilities accountable. Q: What immediate steps should I take if I think a loved one is being neglected?

A: If the situation is an emergency, call 911 right away or seek medical care immediately. Protecting your loved one’s safety is always the first priority.

Q: Who Else Can I Contact to Report Suspected Abuse in Los Angeles County?

A: In addition to calling Nursing Home Law Group for legal help, families have several reporting options:

• Ombudsman Services: Call (800) 231-4024 to connect with the Los Angeles County Ombudsman.
• Adult Protective Services (APS): For urgent concerns about an elder’s health or safety, call APS at (800) 491-7123.
• California Department of Social Services (CDSS): For complaints about assisted living or residential care facilities, call the Central Los Angeles office at (323) 980-4935 or the North L.A. office at (818) 596-4334.
• California Department of Public Health (CDPH): For skilled nursing facilities, CDPH has multiple Los Angeles offices, including in Van Nuys, Baldwin Park, El Monte, and Downtown Los Angeles.

Call the general line at (800) 228-1019 to be connected to the correct district.

Q: Why Should I Contact Nursing Home Law Group?

A: Reporting neglect to state agencies is an important first step, but it does not always result in justice for your loved one. Facilities may receive citations, yet families are left without answers or accountability. At Nursing Home Law Group, we focus exclusively on nursing home and elder neglect cases. Our attorneys understand the unique laws that apply to Los Angeles County facilities and know how to investigate, preserve evidence, and pursue compensation. We provide free consultations and only get paid if we recover for you.

Q: How Do I Reach Nursing Home Law Group?

A: If you suspect neglect or abuse at a nursing home, assisted living, or residential care facility in Los Angeles County, call Nursing Home Law Group today. We are ready to listen, investigate, and take action. You can reach us at [insert phone number], or complete our confidential online form for a free consultation.

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