Sonoma County Nursing Home Lawyers

Sonoma County, known for its picturesque vineyards and charming communities, is home to a significant and growing senior population. As our loved ones age, we frequently need to entrust their care to nursing homes, assisted living facilities, and board and care homes, including specialized "memory care" units. While many of these facilities provide excellent care, the risk of nursing home neglect is a serious concern for families throughout the county. Understanding the signs of neglect and knowing your rights is the first step in protecting vulnerable seniors.

In Sonoma County, there are approximately 21 skilled nursing facilities and over 55 assisted living facilities dedicated to caring for our elderly population. These numbers reflect the substantial need for long-term care in our communities. Families rely on these facilities to provide a safe and supportive environment for their aging relatives. However, when the standard of care falls short, the consequences can be devastating.

If you suspect that your loved one has been the victim of neglect or abuse in a long-term care facility, it is crucial to seek legal guidance. Our dedicated Sonoma County nursing home neglect lawyers can help you navigate the complexities of the legal system and fight for the justice your family deserves.

Custodial neglect, which is a failure by a caregiver to provide for a senior's basic needs, can manifest in many ways. It is frequently a result of understaffing, inadequate training, or a simple lack of compassion. Families with loved ones in facilities in the largest cities of Sonoma County, including Santa Rosa, Petaluma, Rohnert Park, Windsor, and Healdsburg, should be vigilant for the following signs of neglect:

Malnutrition and Dehydration: Unexplained weight loss, sunken eyes, and dry skin can be indicators that a resident is not receiving adequate food and water.

Bedsores (Pressure Ulcers): These painful and potentially life-threatening injuries are almost always preventable with proper repositioning and care. The development of advanced-stage bedsores, especially those that reach Stage 4, is a significant red flag for neglect in a Sonoma nursing home. Nursing Home Law Group has handled more than 100 cases involving besores.

Falls and Untreated Injuries: While falls can happen, a facility has a duty to assess a resident's fall risk and implement preventative measures. Unexplained bruises, fractures, or a failure to seek prompt medical attention for injuries are serious concerns.

Medication Errors: The improper administration of medication, including missed doses, incorrect dosages, or giving the wrong medication, can have severe health consequences.

Poor Personal Hygiene: Soiled bedding, unchanged clothes, and a general state of uncleanliness can indicate that a resident's basic hygiene needs are being ignored.

Unsanitary Living Conditions: A dirty room, pest infestations, or hazardous conditions within the facility are all signs of a neglectful environment.

Emotional and Social Neglect: Ignoring a resident's need for social interaction, isolating them from others, or failing to provide mental stimulation can lead to depression, anxiety, and a decline in cognitive function. This is a particular concern in facilities that hold themselves out as providing "memory care."

These examples represent only a fraction of the ways neglect can occur. Any time a caregiver's inaction leads to harm or the risk of harm, it can be considered neglect.

California has some of the strongest laws in the nation to protect its elderly citizens. The Elder Abuse and Dependent Adult Civil Protection Act (EADACPA) is a critical piece of legislation that defines a senior as anyone over the age of 65. This act provides a legal framework to hold facilities and individuals accountable for neglect and abuse. EADACPA was specifically designed to protect a vulnerable population that may not be able to advocate for themselves.

The law recognizes that seniors in long-term care facilities are susceptible to various forms of mistreatment. When you need to protect a loved one, a knowledgeable Sonoma County elder neglect attorney can explain your rights under EADACPA and help you take appropriate action.

If you have witnessed any of these signs of neglect, it is essential to act quickly. The well-being of your loved one may be at stake. The Nursing Home Law Group has been a steadfast advocate for the victims of elder abuse and neglect in Sonoma County for over two decades. Our team has a long and successful history of holding negligent facilities accountable and securing the compensation and justice our clients deserve.

We understand the emotional and financial toll that elder neglect can take on families. That is why we offer a free, no-obligation consultation to discuss your concerns and evaluate your case. Our experienced legal team will listen to your story with compassion and provide you with a clear understanding of your legal options.

When you are facing the difficult reality of elder neglect, you need a powerful and experienced legal team on your side. An experienced Sonoma County nursing home neglect lawyer from our firm will thoroughly investigate your allegations and build a strong case on your behalf.

We handle all cases on a contingency fee basis, which means you will not pay any attorneys' fees unless we win your case. This allows you to pursue justice without the added burden of upfront legal costs.

Do not let neglect go unanswered. Contact the Nursing Home Law Group today to speak with a dedicated Sonoma County nursing home abuse and neglect lawyer. We are here to fight for the rights and dignity of your loved ones. Your call is confidential, and our commitment to justice is unwavering.