Nursing Home Elder Abuse and Neglect Resources
Ventura County has 21 of the nearly 1,200 nursing homes in the State of California. There are also 207 residential care facilities and assisted living facilities in Ventura County, most located in the cities of Ventura, Thousand Oaks, Simi Valley, Oxnard, and Newbury Park. Our Ventura County nursing home abuse lawyers can assist residents and families with holding these facilities accountable for misconduct.
What is an Elder under California law?
California has special laws that protect "elders," which are defined as any person over 65 years of age. The laws apply equally to a "dependent adults," which are defined as any person between ages 18 and 64 who has a physical limitation that restricts his or her ability to carry out normal activities and is an inpatient at a hospital or nursing facility.
Identifying Elder Abuse and Neglect.
Under California's Welfare and Institutions Code, nursing home abuse and neglect is defined as "physical abuse, abandonment, neglect, isolation, abduction, or other treatment with resulting physical harm or pain or mental suffering, or deprivation by a care custodian..." A nursing home abuse attorney can help Ventura County residents investigate whether a violation may have occurred.
Do you suspect nursing home abuse in a Ventura County facility?
Frequently, abuse or neglect is suspected long after the acts have occurred. In the case of physical abuse, it can be identified by unusual bruising or other markings on the body, or unusual behavior. Neglect is often recognized by any unusual medical problems such as decubitus ulcers (bed sores), dehydration, unexplained injuries or fractures, over medication, or other care-related injuries.
Contact Walton Law Firm. Ventura County nursing home abuse attorney Randy Walton provides free consultations in cases concerning abuse, neglect, or malpractice in the nursing home or residential care setting. He can be reached at 866-607-1325 or by completing the online questionnaire.
Other ways to take action:
Emergencies. If you believe that someone is presently being abused or neglected it is important to act right away. If an emergency, call 911 or contact the individual's regular physician.
Ombudsman. The phone number of a Ventura County Ombudsman Office can be obtained by calling (800) 231-4024.
Adult Protective Services. For immediate concerns about the health or wellbeing of an elderly Ventura County resident, call Adult Protective Services at (805) 654-3200.
California Department of Public Health. For complaints about a skill nursing facility, contact the Ventura County office of the California Department of Public Health. The local office of CDPH can be reached at (800) 547-8267.
California Department of Social Services. For complaints against a residential care facility for the elderly (or assisted living), contact the local office of the California Department of Social Services. The local office of CDSS can be contacted at (818) 596-4334.