General Elder Abuse & Neglect – FAQ

Q: What is “elder abuse” or “dependent adult abuse” in California?
Elder abuse includes physical harm, neglect, financial exploitation, and emotional or sexual abuse of anyone 65 or older (or a dependent adult with disabilities). It covers harm in nursing homes, assisted living, memory care, hospitals, and even at home when caregivers fail to provide safe care.

Q: How do I know if what I’m seeing is “abuse” and not just aging or a decline in health?
Red flags that often point to abuse or neglect rather than normal aging include:

• Sudden, unexplained bruises, fractures, or head injuries

• Bedsores/pressure ulcers, especially Stage II–IV

• Rapid weight loss, dehydration, or repeated infections

• A loved one who suddenly becomes fearful, withdrawn, over-sedated, or confused

• Staff who won’t answer questions, delay visits, or push you away from the bedside

• “Accidents” that keep happening – falls, elopement, medication errors

If your instinct says, “Something is wrong here,” it’s time to ask questions and get legal guidance.

Nursing Home Physical Injuries

Q: Which injuries are especially suspicious in a nursing home?

• Hip fractures, wrist fractures, or skull injuries from “unexplained” falls

• Large bruises on the arms, thighs, or torso

• Lacerations that don’t match the story you’re given

• Repeated ER visits for “falls” with different explanations each time

Q: Why do physical injuries matter legally?
Serious injuries often point to poor supervision, unsafe transfers, lack of assistive devices, or outright physical abuse. They can support claims for:

• Medical bills and rehab

• Pain and suffering

• Enhanced damages under California’s elder-abuse laws if there was reckless neglect
  
  

Pressure Ulcers / Bedsores

Q: Are bedsores just a part of getting older?
No. Stage III and Stage IV pressure ulcers are almost always preventable with proper repositioning, nutrition, hydration, skin checks, and wound care. They are a major red flag for neglect.

Q: What should families watch for?

• Red or darkened areas on the tailbone, heels, hips, or shoulders

• Open wounds that worsen instead of improve

• Strong odor, drainage, or visible tissue

• Staff who downplay the sore or refuse to show you the wound 

Prompt treatment can be lifesaving. Untreated bedsores can lead to sepsis, amputation, or death.

Dehydration and Malnutrition

Q: How can I tell if my loved one is dehydrated or malnourished?

• Rapid or unexplained weight loss

• Dry mouth, cracked lips, or sunken eyes

• Lethargy, confusion, or new delirium

• Repeated UTIs, kidney problems, or fainting spells

• Food trays are taken away uneaten without assistance

Persistent weight loss and dehydration in a facility setting are not “inevitable.” They usually signal poor monitoring and a lack of feeding support.

Physical Abuse

Q: What are red flags for physical abuse by staff or other residents?

• Finger-shaped bruises, belt-like marks, or injuries in various stages of healing

• Fear of certain caregivers; flinching when approached

• Sudden aggression or dramatic behavior changes

• Staff refusing to leave you alone with your loved one

Any suspicion of physical abuse should be treated as an emergency: ensure safety, report immediately, and seek legal help.

Elopement and Wandering

Q: What is elopement?
“Elopement” means a resident leaves the facility or a secured unit without proper supervision. For someone with dementia, this can be fatal.

Q: What are the signs of elopement risk or poor supervision?

• Door alarms are frequently going off

• Residents are often seen alone near exits or parking lots

• Your loved one previously wandered off but no added safety measures were put in place

• The facility can’t explain how long a resident was missing or where they were found

When a resident is injured after wandering—exposure, traffic injuries, falls—it usually reflects serious safety failures.

Assisted Living Actions for Abuse and Neglect

Q: Aren’t assisted living and RCFEs “non-medical”—do the same rules apply?
Yes. Assisted living facilities are still required to provide safety, supervision, and assistance with daily living. They can be liable when residents:

• Fall repeatedly

• Wander or elope

• Are attacked by other residents

• Suffer dehydration, malnutrition, pressure injuries, or abuse

“Non-medical” does not mean “no accountability.”

Wrongful Death in Nursing Homes & Long-Term Care

Q: When does a resident’s death become a potential wrongful death case?

• Death follows a preventable event: fall, sepsis, choking, elopement, dehydration, medication error, or abuse

• The facility gives vague or changing explanations

• You were not told how serious the condition was, or the hospital transfer was delayed

• Records appear altered, or key details are missing

In these cases, families may pursue:

• Funeral and burial costs

• Loss of love, companionship, and support

• Pain and suffering the resident endured before death (in certain elder-abuse claims)

• Attorney’s fees and, in egregious cases, punitive damages