Elder Abuse Prevention: Protecting Loved Ones in Care Facilities with Awareness, Vigilance and Action

With thousands of elders suffering abuse in care facilities each year, many cases unreported, Elder Abuse Awareness Month reminds us that vigilance, education, and action are our best tools for prevention and justice.

Elder abuse and neglect in care facilities — including nursing homes, assisted living communities, and other long-term care settings — remain a pressing and often hidden crisis in California and across the nation. In California, an estimated 202,549 cases of elder and dependent adult abuse are reported each year, with over 6,985 reports in Kern County in 2024 alone, officials from Kern County to Adult Protective Services reported.

However, these numbers only scratch the surface: for every reported case, an estimated 24 go unreported. And for financial abuse, the underreporting is even higher, with 44 unreported cases per known incident. This means that tens of thousands of vulnerable seniors may be suffering in silence. Even more, California’s elder population is projected to nearly double between 2010 and 2030, making elder protection more urgent than ever, said Tanya Alsheikh, attorney at Chain | Cohn | Clark, who handles many of the law firm’s elder abuse and neglect cases.

“As June marks Elder Abuse Awareness Month, it is a crucial time to shine a light on the prevalence, risks, and prevention strategies for elder abuse, especially for those with loved ones in care facilities,” Alsheikh said.

CARE FACILITIES A FOCUS

Elder abuse in care facilities can take many forms, including physical abuse, emotional abuse, financial exploitation, neglect, abandonment, and even abduction. Neglect is particularly insidious, with 15.3% of elder abuse complaints nationwide involving neglect, and studies show that for every reported case of neglect, 57 go unreported, according to Nursing Home Abuse Center. Here are some warning signs of abuse or neglect in care facilities include:

• Unexplained injuries or bruises
• Sudden weight loss or signs of malnutrition and dehydration
• Poor personal hygiene or unsanitary living conditions
• Psychological distress, withdrawal, or anxiety
• Loss of mobility or unexplained falls
• Missing personal items or unexplained financial transactions

So, what can families do? Protecting a loved one in a care facility requires ongoing vigilance and proactive steps. Here are a few:

• Visit Frequently and Stay Involved: Regular visits—both scheduled and unannounced—help families monitor care and spot early warning signs of abuse or neglect.
• Communicate with Staff: Build relationships with caregivers and administrators. Ask questions about care routines, medication management, and incident reporting.
• Watch for Red Flags: Be alert to changes in your loved one’s physical or emotional well-being. Document any concerns and bring them to the attention of facility management and, if necessary, authorities.
• Research Facilities Thoroughly: Before choosing a care facility, check for violations, complaints, or citations. Use resources like the California Department of Public Health and the Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program for facility ratings and reports.
• Report Suspected Abuse Immediately: In an emergency, call 911. For non-emergencies, contact Adult Protective Services or the Long-Term Care Ombudsman.
• Educate Yourself and Others: Learn the signs of abuse and share information with friends and family members. Awareness is the first line of defense.

Chain | Cohn | Clark has long been at the forefront of elder abuse prevention and legal advocacy in Kern County and the Central Valley. The firm’s elder abuse attorneys are dedicated to protecting the rights and dignity of older adults, helping families navigate complex legal systems, and holding abusers accountable. The firm’s work is rooted in the belief that every senior deserves to be treated with respect and compassion. As highlighted in previous coverage, Chain | Cohn | Clark has successfully represented families whose loved ones suffered abuse or neglect in care facilities. These cases have not only secured justice and compensation for victims but have also sent a powerful message to facilities that substandard care will not be tolerated.

“Elder Abuse Awareness Month is a reminder that we all have a role to play in protecting our most vulnerable citizens,” Alsheikh said. “By staying informed, vigilant, and proactive, families can help prevent abuse and ensure that their loved ones receive the care and respect they deserve.”

If you suspect elder abuse or neglect in a care facility, do not hesitate to seek help. Contact Adult Protective Services at 800-277-7866 or 661-868-1006, the Long-Term Care Ombudsman at 661-323-7884. Lastly, reach out to the experienced elder abuse attorneys at Chain | Cohn | Clark for a free, no-obligation consultation.

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If you or someone you know is injured in an accident at the fault of someone else, or injured on the job no matter whose fault it is, contact the attorneys at Chain | Cohn | Clark by calling (661) 323-4000, or fill out a free consultation form, text, or chat with us at chainlaw.com.

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MEDIA COVERAGE

• Elder abuse awareness: know the signs, take action (23ABC News – June 11, 2025)