Our lawyers apply an empathetic approach to this area of law, understanding that the people who have been abused by nursing homes and elder care facilities require specialized help. Our team of attorneys has worked with people who have suffered serious harm, and worked with their families to get them the justice they need and deserve.
Los Angeles Elder Abuse
Elder abuse is a deeply troubling phenomenon that is gradually becoming a pressing concern in Los Angeles.
According to one government study, one out of every ten Americans 60 and over has experienced some form of elder abuse. Some estimates say that as manyas 5 million Americans are abused each year.
The alarming increase in elder abuse cases is attributed to a complex interplay of several factors that demand urgent attention and multifaceted solutions.
Aging Population and Isolation:
Los Angeles is home to a large and rapidly aging population. The baby boomer generation is getting older, and combined with advancements in healthcare, this has led to longer life expectancy. As individuals age, they often become more vulnerable to various forms of abuse due to physical and mental health challenges. Furthermore, seniors may experience social isolation, as they may live far from family and friends or have limited social interactions, leaving them susceptible to exploitation by those in close proximity, such as caregivers or family members.
Between 100,000 and 110,000 Californians lived in nursing homes as of 2022; that’s the highest in the nation. Those individuals live in one of the 1,300 licensed nursing homes in the state, with another 150,000 living in one of the 7,500 licensed residential care facilities for the elderly. It’s estimated that another 150,000 might be living in unlicensed assisted living facilities.
These facilities are caring for people battling dementia and other age-related issues.
This has led to a rise in elder abuse in nursing homes, and with an aging population that’s growing, the problem will likely get worse.
Economic Struggles:
The high cost of living in Los Angeles has a significant impact on older adults who are living on fixed incomes or inadequate retirement savings. Financial strain can make them dependent on others for assistance, making them vulnerable to financial abuse, where unscrupulous individuals exploit their vulnerable position for personal gain. This abuse may manifest through fraudulent schemes, theft, or manipulation of financial assets.
Caregiver Stress and Burnout:
Los Angeles’s fast-paced lifestyle often leads to increased caregiver stress and burnout. Moreover, the scarcity of affordable and quality caregiving facilities may lead to untrained or underqualified individuals being employed as caregivers, further exacerbating the risk of abuse.
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Issues:
Substance abuse, both among older adults and their caregivers, can contribute to a volatile and unsafe environment, increasing the likelihood of abuse. Substance abuse issues can impair judgment and increase violent tendencies, making elder abuse more likely. Additionally, caregivers with untreated mental health problems may find it challenging to cope with the demands of their responsibilities, leading to neglect or abuse.
Technological Advancements and Exploitation:
While technological advancements have improved the lives of many, they have also opened new avenues for elder exploitation. Older adults who may not be familiar with technology can fall victim to scams, online fraud, and cybercrimes. Identity theft and online scams specifically targeted at seniors have become increasingly prevalent.
When nursing homes and assisted living facilities commit elder abuse in Los Angeles, hiring a qualified attorney can make a huge difference. There are strict state-wide protocols that these facilities need to follow. it is a major asset to have an elder abuse attorney who understands the law, knows how to determine whether a facility is abiding by the law, and how to properly investigate the extent of the abuse.
At Arias Sanguinetti, our legal team understands the complex and emotional nature of elder abuse cases. We’ve worked with survivors of some of the most heinous behavior and helped them obtain compensation and rebuild their lives.
If you or someone you love has been the victim of elder abuse by a nursing home, elder care facility or another type of assisted living facility, contact our attorneys right away.