Orange County Senior Isolation Lawyer
Seniors who are kept isolated from their loved ones are uniquely vulnerable as targets of abuse. Why? Because they are removed from their only source of help and assistance and they have no way to defend or protect themselves. Social isolation is in and of itself a form of elder abuse.
Speak with a qualified Orange County senior isolation lawyer if you believe your loved one is a victim of this type of abuse. At Travis Siegel, we can help you explore your options during a free consultation. Call 562-414-5294 or contact us online to schedule yours today.
What Is Social Isolation?
Your normally gregarious senior seems withdrawn, fearful, and despondent. His appetite and behavior have changed dramatically since your last visit. While this may be because of his medical diagnoses or the simple reality that the aging process is not always kind, sometimes it is evidence of a far more frightening reality – that of elder abuse.
Social isolation is the separation of an individual from his society, including peers, family, and other support providers.
Social isolation can be:
- Limiting the person’s access and communication with outside sources by restricting phone calls, mail, and visits.
- Telling others that the person does not wish to communicate or is unable to do so.
- Restraining or restricting the movement of the person other than for medically necessary or safety-related purposes. This may constitute false imprisonment.
- Using physical or psychological restraints or threats of harm to prevent the person from connecting with the outside world.
What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Social Isolation?
Unfortunately, like all psychological elder abuse, social isolation leaves no physical marks. So how can a family member know if a beloved senior is suffering at the hands of his caregiver or facility?
First, look for the signs and symptoms of social isolation:
- Unexplained marks that look like restraints were used
- Mail that was unopened, returned to sender, or not responded to
- Limited visits
- Signs of fear or psychological indications that the senior does not feel safe
- Restricted movement or schedule for the senior
- Fewer interactions with peers and family members
Our FAQ
Have questions? We are here to help. Still have questions or can't find the answer you need? Give us a call at 562-414-5294 today!
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Choosing the right nursing home for your loved ones is a personal (and tough) decision. It is something you must decide on your own, or with the rest of your family. With that in mind, however, there are a few resources you can use to help with the decision.
The Health Facilities Consumer Information System provided by the state of California lets you search for different types of health facilities, including nursing homes. The Medicare website also provides a tool for finding nursing homes.
The Health Facilities Consumer Information System also lets you search for complaints against said facilities. You can use this tool to check on any homes you might be considering and see if complaints have been filed against them.
Remember, if you suspect any form of elderly abuse or negligence has occurred, trust your instincts and call us at Siegel Law. 562-414-5294
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Pressure sores, also called bed sores and pressure ulcers, are a common sign of nursing home abuse or neglect. They are caused by unrelieved pressure on the skin. Bed sores typically appear near areas where the bones are close to the skin: the hips, back, elbows, and ankles. When pressure sores first show up, they’re just skin irritation. With prompt treatment, they typically have no lasting effects. When not treated quickly, however, later stages can result in serious damage not only to the skin but also to muscle and bone.
The greatest tragedy of pressure sores is that they are relatively easy to prevent. Regular movement of a person restricted to a bed or wheelchair can help avoid pressure sores. Someone who must remain in bed should be moved about every two hours. The use of a pressure-reducing mattress can help. A proper diet, cleanliness, and daily exercise all help prevent pressure sores and eliminate the serious harm that can accompany them.
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The answer is no. Siegel Law takes all cases on a contingency fee basis, which means that our clients owe the firm nothing for expenses unless they are awarded a monetary settlement or we receive a favorable verdict at trial. All expenses will be deducted from the settlement or jury verdict. Not a dime will be taken out of your pocket.
