How to Take Action When Elder Neglect or Abuse Is Suspected in Orange County

If your loved one has been harmed in a nursing home or assisted living facility, knowing where to turn can feel overwhelming. Unfortunately, elder abuse and neglect remain serious problems across Orange County, from Anaheim and Santa Ana to Irvine, Huntington Beach, Garden Grove, and Fullerton. Families deserve clear guidance on how to recognize warning signs, report concerns, and hold negligent facilities accountable.

This page provides a step-by-step resource for Orange County residents navigating the painful reality of suspected elder abuse.

Orange County is home to dozens of licensed nursing homes and hundreds of assisted living and residential care facilities. Many are located in large cities such as:

• Anaheim
• Santa Ana
• Irvine
• Huntington Beach
• Garden Grove
• Fullerton
• Orange
• Costa Mesa

While many facilities provide appropriate care, issues such as understaffing, lack of training, and poor oversight too often result in neglect, injuries, or even preventable deaths.

California law defines an elder as any person age 65 or older. A dependent adult is someone between 18 and 64 with physical or mental limitations that restrict their ability to carry out daily activities, often requiring care in a hospital or long-term care facility.

Both groups are legally protected, and caregivers are required to provide safe, dignified, and appropriate care.

Under California’s Welfare and Institutions Code, elder abuse includes:

• Physical abuse
• Neglect
• Abandonment
• Isolation
• Abduction
• Any treatment that causes physical harm, pain, or mental suffering
• Denial of essential goods or services by a caretaker

In nursing homes and assisted living facilities across Orange County, abuse and neglect often appear as:

• Unexplained bruises, fractures, or injuries
• Bed sores (pressure ulcers) from lack of repositioning
• Malnutrition and dehydration due to neglect
• Overmedication or use of chemical restraints
• Ignored medical issues or untreated infections
• Behavioral changes, such as withdrawal or fearfulness

If you notice any of these warning signs in Anaheim, Santa Ana, Irvine, or elsewhere in Orange County, it’s critical to take immediate action.

Call 911 in emergencies: If your loved one is in immediate danger, contact emergency services right away.

Seek medical evaluation: Have a doctor assess and document injuries or health concerns.

Report to oversight agencies:

• Adult Protective Services (APS): Call (800) 451-5155 in Orange County.
• Ombudsman Program: To report abuse in long-term care facilities, call (800) 231-4024.
• California Department of Public Health (CDPH): To file complaints against nursing homes, call the Orange County office at (800) 228-5234.
• California Department of Social Services (CDSS): For assisted living or residential care concerns, call the Orange County office at (714) 703-2800.

Take photos of injuries, save medical records, and record dates, conversations, and observations.

While agencies can investigate complaints, their resources are often limited, and families may not receive timely answers. Legal representation ensures your loved one’s rights are protected and that facilities are held accountable for abuse or neglect.

If your loved one suffered harm in a nursing home or assisted living facility in Anaheim, Santa Ana, Irvine, Huntington Beach, Garden Grove, Fullerton, or any other Orange County community, contact Nursing Home Law Group. The firm offers free consultations and is dedicated to protecting vulnerable residents and helping families achieve justice.

Elder abuse and neglect can cause long-lasting harm, but you are not powerless. By learning the signs, reporting concerns to the proper authorities, and contacting an experienced attorney, you can safeguard your loved one and help prevent further abuse.

If you suspect elder neglect or abuse in Orange County, call Nursing Home Law Group today for a free consultation. We serve families in Anaheim, Santa Ana, Irvine, Huntington Beach, Garden Grove, Fullerton, and beyond.