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

Discovering that a loved one may be suffering from neglect or abuse in a nursing home or assisted living facility is devastating. Families in San Bernardino County need clear steps and trusted resources to protect vulnerable elders and dependent adults. This guide explains how California law defines elder abuse, signs to watch for, and the actions you can take to report concerns and seek justice.

California law defines an elder as anyone aged 65 or older. The law also protects dependent adults, defined as people between 18 and 64 who have a physical or mental limitation restricting their ability to perform normal daily activities and who are in a hospital or nursing facility.

Both groups are protected under the same laws, and facilities providing care have strict obligations to ensure safety and dignity.

Under California’s Welfare and Institutions Code, elder abuse in a nursing home or assisted living setting includes:

• Physical abuse
• Neglect
• Abandonment
• Isolation
• Abduction
• Any treatment causing physical harm, pain, or mental suffering
• Deprivation of necessary goods or services by a caregiver

In practical terms, this often means residents are left to suffer preventable injuries, illnesses, or trauma due to inadequate staffing, poor training, or outright mistreatment.

Common red flags of abuse and neglect include:

• Bruises, cuts, or injuries that don’t have a clear explanation
• Bed sores (pressure ulcers)
• Malnutrition or dehydration
• Unexplained fractures or falls
• Signs of overmedication or chemical restraint
• Sudden changes in mood or behavior
• Worsening medical conditions that go unaddressed

San Bernardino County has 54 licensed nursing homes and more than 240 residential care and assisted living facilities, concentrated in cities such as San Bernardino, Ontario, Rancho Cucamonga, Fontana, Hesperia, and Chino. While many of these facilities strive to provide appropriate care, systemic issues such as understaffing, high turnover, and lack of training too often lead to serious harm. Families should remain vigilant and act promptly at the first sign of trouble.

If you suspect abuse or neglect in a San Bernardino County facility, here are the steps you can take:

1. Call 911 in emergencies – If your loved one is in immediate danger, treat it as an emergency. Seek urgent medical care and notify authorities right away.
2. Document concerns – Take photographs of visible injuries, keep notes on dates and conversations, and request copies of medical records.
3. Report to oversight agencies in San Bernardino County:
   • Adult Protective Services (APS): Call (877) 565-2020 to report suspected abuse or neglect.
   • Ombudsman Program: For assistance with complaints about long-term care facilities, call (800) 231-4024.
   • California Department of Public Health (CDPH): To file a complaint about a skilled nursing facility, call the San Bernardino office at (800) 344-2896.
   • California Department of Social Services (CDSS): For assisted living and residential care complaints, call (951) 782-4207.

These agencies can investigate, but their resources are limited, and cases may take time to resolve.

Reporting suspected abuse is important, but it may not be enough to hold facilities accountable or secure compensation for your loved one’s injuries. Families often need legal representation to uncover what really happened, ensure responsible parties are held liable, and obtain justice for the harm caused.

If you believe your loved one has been harmed in a nursing home or assisted living facility in San Bernardino County, contact Nursing Home Law Group for a free consultation. The firm is dedicated to exposing neglect, protecting vulnerable residents, and helping families achieve accountability.

Elder neglect and abuse can leave lasting physical, emotional, and financial consequences. By staying alert to warning signs, reporting concerns quickly, and working with an experienced lawyer, you can protect your loved one and help prevent future harm to others.

If you suspect elder neglect or abuse in San Bernardino County, do not wait. Call Nursing Home Law Group today for a free consultation and guidance on your next steps.