In one of the most recent and most alarming incidents of neglect and elder abuse, a Castro Valley assisted living facility was shut down a few weeks ago by Social Services after multiple complaints. But what happened after the closure may lead to not only civil, but criminal charges against the owners.
After the facility was officially closed down, it appears that the assisted living facility staff left as well, leaving more than one dozen elderly patients with just a cook, a janitor and a caretaker for an entire weekend. A medical call alerted authorities to the fact the residents had more or less been abandoned. Some of them were bedridden, and wheelchair bound. From here, the district attorney will decide what type of criminal charges the owners of the facility will face. All patients have since been moved to other hospitals and facilities.
It is horrifying to see such blatant abuse, and neglect of the elderly, but unfortunately it is not uncommon. Elder abuse, including neglect occurs in long term care facilities in California with alarming frequency.
With the projected growth in California of those over 60 years of age to increase by 112% from 1990 to 2020 and those over 85 years of age to increase by 143% over the same time period, more will be seeking the care of long term care facilities. More particularly, that need will be highlighted after 2030 when the first group of baby boomers reaches the age of 85 years old.
These statistics mean it is increasingly more important for all of us with family, friends or relatives in nursing homes to be aware of any indication that there are any red flags of neglect or abuse. If you have any doubts of what may or may not constitute nursing home neglect or abuse, please contact Christopher C. Walton, a San Diego elder abuse attorney. Call (866) 338-7079 now to schedule an appointment for a confidential, no obligation consultation to discuss your particular situation. Most cases are handled on a contingency basis.