January 5th, 2015

If there’s one thing that’s inevitable, it’s change. The face of the nursing home industry is certainly undergoing some restructuring here in California. The elderly are opting to stay in their homes and receive medical care from providers who do house calls rather than moving into established nursing home or long-term care facilities. While these changes have many benefits, they may be putting citizens at a risk of becoming a California nursing home abuse victim. Four times more Californians choose in-home care over residential facilities, but a lack of industry regulation and oversight can put these individuals at serious risk of harm. This leaves many Californians wondering what they can do to protect themselves and their loved ones from harm. The California personal injury lawyers with Berg Injury Lawyers suggest:
  • Screen Providers– Before deciding on a care provider, look at reviews and ask for opinions from current residents/patients and sources you trust. Once you’ve narrowed the list of potential candidates down, conduct interviews to determine the best provider for your needs.
  • Be Present– One of the best ways to deter abuse is to make regular visits to the individual receiving care. Visitors should monitor the patient for signs of abuse or changes in behavior.
  • Report Any Suspected Abuse– If you think a care provider is causing harm to a patient, be sure to report the incident and the individual to the proper authorities.
  • Get an Attorney– A lawyer will be able to help explain what your legal rights are if your loved one has been harmed at the hands of a caregiver.