As our loved ones grow older, we trust that the people and facilities charged with their care will treat them with dignity and respect. Tragically, that trust is sometimes broken. Elder abuse is a growing problem in California and across the country. It often happens in places that are meant to keep people safe, like nursing homes and assisted living facilities.
At Maurer Law, we’ve seen the heartbreaking consequences of elder abuse. We’ve also brought the full force of legal action to stop abuse, hold negligent facilities accountable, and help families find justice.
If you believe your loved one is being abused, you don’t have to face this alone. Our elder abuse attorneys are here to support you and guide you through your legal options. Call our Auburn office at (530) 745-6861 or fill out our online contact form to schedule a free consultation with an attorney who will listen.
According to a study by the National Institute of Justice, about 1 in 10 older adults experience some form of mistreatment or neglect each year. In some skilled nursing or assisted living facilities, that number could be even higher. Many cases go unreported because victims are too afraid, too confused, or too isolated to speak up.
While some forms of elder abuse are intentional, others have more indirect causes. One of the most common factors behind elder abuse in care facilities is understaffing. When staff are overworked or poorly trained, neglect, frustrations, and mistakes become more likely.
However, understaffing is no excuse. Everyone deserves to be safe and well cared for, and those in charge of elder care facilities should be held accountable if their policies and practices lead to harm.
Elder abuse can take many forms. Some are visible, others are more subtle, but all are serious.
Physical abuse includes any form of harmful or inappropriate touching including hitting, slapping, biting, pinching, restraining, or pushing. Neglect, while less visible, can be just as dangerous. It happens when a caregiver fails to meet a resident’s basic needs.
Signs of physical abuse and neglect include:
It can be easy to pass off some of these signs as symptoms of aging. But if you are seeing a trend or have reason to suspect abusive or neglectful sources, it is worth investigating further.
Emotional or psychological abuse is often harder to detect but can be just as damaging. It can include yelling, insults, threats, humiliation, or deliberate isolation.
Sometimes the abuse is silent. Caregivers may intentionally ignore a resident, withhold social interaction, or make them feel like a burden.
Signs of emotional abuse include:
If something seems “off” about your loved one’s behavior, don’t brush it off. You know them best.
Sexual abuse of the elderly is one of the most horrific and underreported forms of abuse. It can happen at the hands of caregivers, other residents, or even visitors. Many victims are too afraid or physically unable to speak out.
Possible signs of sexual abuse include:
If you suspect this type of abuse, take immediate action. Ensure the victim’s safety first, then seek medical care and contact law enforcement.
Elder financial abuse often occurs when someone exploits a vulnerable adult for their money, property, or assets. It can happen in care facilities, but also through family members, caregivers, or scam artists.
Signs of financial abuse include:
If you believe your loved one is in immediate danger, call 911 or contact adult protective services right away. If possible, remove them from the situation.
Then, talk to an elder abuse attorney who understands the legal rights of victims and how to hold negligent facilities accountable.
At Maurer Law, we take every elder abuse report seriously. We help clients and their families:
We approach these cases with the urgency and compassion they deserve. Your loved one’s dignity and safety matter. So does their right to justice.
We’re not a flashy, high-volume firm. We’re a Northern California practice that values relationships, results, and doing what’s right for our clients.
When you come to us with a concern about elder abuse, we don’t brush you off or rush you through. We listen. We believe you. And we put our experience and resources to work for your family.
We’ve handled cases involving multiple types of elder mistreatment and understand the complex laws that govern elder care facilities. We know how to gather evidence, work with experts, and push back against corporate-run care homes and the insurance companies that protect them.
If you suspect elder abuse, don’t wait. Even if you’re not sure, it’s better to talk through your concerns with someone who understands what’s at stake.
Call our office at (530) 745-6861 or fill out our online contact form to schedule a free, confidential consultation. You’ll speak directly with an elder abuse attorney who will take the time to understand your case and explain your options. And you don’t pay us anything unless we recover money for you.
