Category: Elder Abuse

Chances are that you will have many questions as you explore your options concerning senior living communities. There are several questions that you may automatically
think to ask including cost, buy-in fees and assisted living care options. Here
are some other questions that you may not think to ask during your visiting
tour.

What Kinds of Activities are Available?

Activities are a great way to fill the hours of your day while also getting to know
your fellow residents. Most communities offer at least some activities on a daily
basis. Many of these activities are completely free of charge while others may involve
small fees for supplies or equipment. Some of the activities that might be available
include card games, movie night, church services, flower arranging, exercise classes,
jewelry making, gardening, board games, book of the month clubs, water aerobics,
mall excursions, sight-seeing tours and local area events. Each assisted living
community offers their own special brand of activates as well.

What is Included in the Monthly Fee?

This is an important question to hammer out the details of before you agree to move
in or pay a deposit for any senior living community.  You have a right to know what
to expect for your money each and every month. You also have the right to compare
prices from one community to the next with the knowledge that you are comparing
those costs on a level playing field and that you are getting exactly what you think
you are getting for the money. Most communities include meals, rent, parking, housekeeping, utilities, some activities, a flat linen services and laundry but there are no guarantees that all senior living communities will offer these services. It is important to
make sure you know what to expect before moving in.

Can You Personalize Your Space?

If you are the type of person who needs to make your space your own then this will
be an important question to ask. Little things like the ability to add color to
the walls and brighten up your home with portraits, paintings, and the things you
have collected over the years can make a huge difference in how well you enjoy your
new living arrangements.

Are Pets Welcome?

Many older adults have owned pets for many years and the idea of getting rid of their
pets in order to move into a assistance living community is one that holds them back
no matter how much they could benefit from the lifestyle and activities available
to them in this community setting. Some communities do allow pets. It is definitely
worth asking if they are welcome and if there are any additional fees for their
welcome pet policy.

These quick questions can help you clear up any potential misunderstandings before
they become issues or stressful concerns. The senior living community director is
the perfect person to turn to get the answers you need to know.

According to the Napa County District Attorney’s Office the number of elder abuse cases has tripled in the past decade. This is due to the better awareness of the public, but there are still even more cases that are not reported. The Attorney stated at a symposium last week there is still an extreme amount of elder abuse cases that go unreported Lieberstein stated. There are over 80 prosecutors, investigators and victims’ advocates throughout California that gathered to discuss combating elder care abuse in their jurisdictions at the symposium that was organized by the California District Attorneys Association.

It was partially funded by a grant from the Archstone Foundation, which is a Long Beach nonprofit organization.  The symposium discussions focused on elder abuse trends, recognizing financial scams and how to increase the public’s awareness of caregiver’s negligence.  Lieberstien’s office prosecutes approximately 25 elder abuse cases each year and he discussed Napa County’s new plans for the prevention of elder abuse. Beginning in July 2011 the new initiatives include caregivers applying for permits, which is the only rule like this in the state. Between the district attorney’s office and the counsel the public is being educated about the permit requirements, which Lieberstein state is a step in the right direction to protect the elderly.

The requirement to apply and hold a permit is believed by officials keep criminals out of elder care. Caregivers and nurses that work for either a private or public agency are exempt, since they have already undergone a background check. People applying for a permit that does not pass the background check will be allowed to receive a limited permit that will allow them to care for one person. The elder person they care for will be made aware of the failure to pass the background check and any criminal convictions.

The permit which will cost an estimated fee of $110 requires a background check and will be necessary for family members that are caregivers in exchange for free rent or other compensation. The renewal fee will be $99 the first year and $87 every year after and is issued by the Napa County Assessor’s Office. The new requirement is expected to cost approximately $50,000 per year, according to Lieberstein’s office. The Area Agency on Aging Napa-Solano, which is a nonprofit agency to help seniors, will coordinate the application process. Partial payment or the caregiver coordination payment will come from grant money and applicant fees, according to Lieberstein.

According to officials Napa County is the only county to require permits for caregivers nationwide. Contra Costa County  Special Deputy District Attorney Jack Waddell, stated he believes Lieberstein’s presentation at the symposium to be a good idea. We hope you have enjoyed this message of public importance from the Los Angeles elder abuse attorney at:

Ehline Law Firm PC
11500 W. Olympic Blvd., Suite 400

(424) 217-1319

Elder abuse is the misconduct or wrongful treatment of an elderly person and is not limited to physical abuse. Elder abuse can include emotional and financial abuse or neglect. Elder abuse can happen in any home, nursing home or medical care facility. Elder abuse or neglect is not just something that occurs in lower income households, but can occur in middle or upper income households by employed care takers or the nursing home staff.

In some instances it is family members or close friends that can be responsible for elder abuse and neglect. This is difficult to accept or understand by the elderly person or family members that have been wronged by another family member or friend.

Types Of Elderly Abuse

There are different forms of elderly abuse the senior citizen can suffer.
Mental and Emotional Abuse: Mental and emotional abuse can be seen in the form of depression, unexplained mood changes, being withdrawn or the fear of being touched and being distant. This is a type of abuse that the elderly person can suffer when the elderly person is manipulated by domineering conduct or communication imposed by the family or care taker. Elder abuse can be public humiliation, fear instilled by a family member or care taker, or confusion that is instilled.

Neglect: Neglect can be when the immediate needs of the elderly person are not provided as a standard care of basic needs. Neglect can be the failure to provide the elderly person with quality living conditions in the nursing home or household, personal hygiene, inappropriate food handling or preparation and medications that are proper care.

Physical Abuse: Physical abuse includes any type of bodily harm to an elderly person that is cared for by a nursing home staff, care taker or family member. This can be in the form of bruises, lacerations, fractures or broken bones, all of which should be taken seriously as a possible form of physical abuse.

Financial Abuse: Financial abuse of an elderly person is the abuse of power over their money management, property and assets.

Consulting the Abuse Attorney

When there is a form of elder abuse to an elderly loved one or friend by the nursing home or care taker legal representation should be immediate to protect the elderly person’s rights. There can be more than one form of elderly abuse or neglect the elderly person can face.

Our Los Angeles & O.C. elder abuse attorneys are able to provide the legal counsel necessary and can protect the elderly loved ones rights and get the compensation they deserve for enduring elder abuse or neglect at the hands of someone empowered to care for them. To contact the elder abuse attorneys call 888-400-9721.