San Bernardino County Nursing Home Abuse County Resources

Nursing Home Elder Abuse and Neglect Resources

San Bernardino County has approximately 54, of the nearly 1,400 nursing homes in the State of California. There are also 242 residential care facilities and assisted living facilities in San Bernardino County, most of those located in the cities of San Bernardino, Ontario, Rancho Cucamonga, Fontana, Hesperia and Chino. The San Bernardino County nursing home abuse lawyers at Walton Law Firm can guide residents and families through bringing claims against negligent facilities.

What is an Elder or Dependent Adult?

In California, an "elder" is defined as any person over 65 years of age. A "dependent adult" is 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.

Elder Abuse and Neglect under California law.

California law defines nursing home abuse and neglect as "physical abuse, neglect, abandonment, isolation, abduction, or other treatment with resulting physical harm or pain or mental suffering, or the deprivation by a care custodian..." in a nursing or assisted living facility. A nursing home abuse attorney can help San Bernardino County residents investigate any of these behaviors.

What to do if nursing home elder abuse is suspected in a San Bernardino County facility.

Frequently, elder 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 (pressure ulcers or bed sores), dehydration, malnutrition, unexplained injuries or fractures, over medication, or other care-related injuries.

Contact Walton Law Firm. San Bernardino 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 San Bernardino 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 San Bernardino County resident, call Adult Protective Services at (877) 565-2020.

California Department of Public Health. For complaints about a skill nursing facility, contact the San Bernardino office of the California Department of Public Health. The local office of CDPH can be reached at (800) 344-2896.

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 (951) 782-4207.