Alameda Elder Abuse Attorney

If you or a family member has suffered abuse or neglect in a nursing home, visit this page instead.

Do you suspect your elderly loved one is being mistreated in an assisted living facility, nursing home, or by a caregiver? Sadly, elder abuse is far more common than most people realize. If you believe your loved one has suffered abuse or neglect, an experienced elder abuse attorney in Alameda, California, can help you fight for justice and ensure the mistreatment ends.

At Berman & Riedel, LLP, we’re dedicated to protecting vulnerable seniors. Our team has extensive experience handling elder abuse cases across California. An Alameda elder abuse attorney from our firm can help you understand your legal options and take swift action. Call today for a free initial consultation.

What Qualifies as Elder Abuse in Alameda, CA?

Elder abuse occurs when an older adult is subjected to:

• Physical abuse. This includes striking, pushing, slapping, or the use of physical restraints.
• Sexual abuse. This is any type of non-consensual sexual conduct, including when the victim cannot consent due to dementia or another condition.
• Psychological and emotional abuse. This may include threats, yelling, humiliation, intimidation, or insults.
• Financial abuse or exploitation. Financial elder abuse includes theft of money or property, or engaging in misappropriation, manipulation, or fraud to financially exploit a vulnerable adult.
• Abandonment. This refers to a caregiver deserting a dependent adult when they lack the means to care for themselves.
• Neglect. This refers to failure to provide proper care, support, and supervision for a dependent adult's health, safety, and well-being. It may include failure to provide adequate medical care, nutrition, assistance with eating or bathing, or sanitary conditions.

This mistreatment can come from caregivers, facility staff members, or even other relatives.

Under California law, elder abuse includes both criminal and civil penalties. Two key laws provide protection:

• Elder Abuse and Dependent Adult Civil Protection Act (EADACPA). This law allows victims and their families to pursue civil claims for abuse, neglect, or abandonment. An elderly person may recover compensation for the financial and personal losses they have suffered. Families may bring a claim on behalf of an abused loved one or pursue a wrongful death claim if their loved one dies due to the mistreatment.
• Penal Code 368 outlines criminal penalties for those who willfully harm or endanger an elderly person.

Elder abuse can result in serious harm or even death. It's essential to take prompt action to protect your loved one's health and safety. An Alameda elder abuse lawyer can help you understand your legal options and determine if you have a case.

What Are Signs of Elder Abuse & Neglect to Watch for?

It's believed that most cases of elder abuse and neglect go unreported. Many victims are afraid to speak up, are isolated, or are unable to communicate when they are mistreated. That’s why family members must stay alert for warning signs of abuse. These may include:

• Unexplained injuries like fractures or frequent hospital visits
• Sudden weight loss or signs of malnutrition or dehydration
• Poor hygiene or unsanitary living conditions
• Withdrawal, fearfulness, or changes in mood
• Missing money or unusual financial transactions
• Bedsores and untreated medical issues

If something feels wrong, trust your instincts and take action. After reporting your suspicions to the appropriate authorities, an Alameda elder abuse attorney can help you explore legal options to hold the responsible parties accountable.

How to Report Elder Abuse in Alameda, California

When you suspect an older person is being mistreated, knowing who to call can be challenging. Multiple state agencies investigate reports of senior abuse. The proper agency to contact depends on where the senior is living.

Here's how to report elder abuse in Alameda. After contacting the authorities, an Alameda County elder abuse attorney at Berman & Riedel, LLP, can help you take the next steps to gather evidence and hold the abuser or negligent facility accountable.

Call 911 for an Emergency

If your loved one is in immediate danger or suffering serious harm, call 911 right away. This is the best way to safeguard your loved one's safety immediately.

Report Abuse and Neglect to Law Enforcement

It's a good idea to contact the police if you believe someone is being harmed, no matter where they are living.

If the older adult is within the Alameda city limits, call the Alameda Police Department at their non-emergency number: (510) 337-8340.

If the abuse is occurring in an unincorporated area, contact the Alameda County Sheriff’s Office at (510) 272-6878.

Contact Adult Protective Services (APS) for Elder Abuse Cases in the Community

Adult Protective Services is part of the Alameda County Social Services Agency. APS investigates abuse and neglect involving elderly or dependent adults living in private homes or elsewhere in the community. APS social workers investigate reports of neglect or abuse involving dependent adults and seniors aged 60 and older.

To report abuse, call the Alameda APS at (510) 577-3500 or 1-866-CALL-APS. You can remain confidential if you wish.

Report Mistreatment in an Assisted Living Facility to the Department of Social Services (CDSS)

The Community Care Licensing Division of the California Department of Social Services (CDSS) investigates reports of abuse, neglect, and poor care in:

• Assisted living facilities
• Board and care homes
• Adult day programs
• Continuing Care Retirement Communities (CCRCs)
• Other Residential Care Facilities for the Elderly (RCFEs)

You can report abuse online or call 1-844-LET-US-NO (1-844-538-8766). The CCLD has the authority to inspect facilities, issue fines or citations, or revoke licenses when warranted.

Report Home Health Agency & Nursing Home Abuse to the Department of Public Health

The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) licenses and regulates certain types of health facilities and providers. They also investigate complaints involving:

• Skilled nursing facilities (nursing homes)
• Hospices
• General acute care hospitals
• Home health agencies

You can file a complaint online through the Cal Health Find portal. If your complaint against a long-term care facility involves the threat of death, imminent danger, or serious bodily harm, the investigation must be completed within 90 days.

You can also contact the local district office directly to make a complaint:

CDPH East Bay District Office, 850 Marina Bay Parkway, Building P, 1st Floor, Richmond, CA 94804 (510) 620-3900

If your complaint involves a certified Home Health Aide (HHA), you can call the message center at (916) 492-8232 or the main line at (916) 445-4423. You can also complete the complaint form and email it to [email protected].

Call the Long-Term Care Ombudsman for Suspected Abuse in Long-Term Care Facilities

If the abuse occurred in an LTC facility, the next step is to contact a long-term care ombudsman. The LTC ombudsman investigates complaints, advocates for older adults, and helps residents and families seek appropriate remedies.

Contact the Alameda County long-term care ombudsman at (925) 685-2070 or in person at 2255 Contra Costa Blvd., Ste. 204, Pleasant Hill, CA 94523, Monday to Friday, 8 am to 5 pm.

Ombudsman representatives advocate for residents in long-term care. Call (800) 231-4024 to reach the Alameda County Ombudsman.

Submit a Complaint to the Home Care Services Branch (HCSB) for Mistreatment Involving a Home Care Organization

Home Care Organizations (HCOs) provide non-medical in-home care. This may include light housekeeping, meal preparation, and personal care.

If a caregiver from a Home Care Organization is involved, file a complaint with HCSB through the CDSS website or call CCLD Complaint Hotline: 844-LET-US-NO (844-538-8766).

Resources for Seniors & Caregivers in Alameda County

Here are resources for older adults and caregivers in Alameda and the greater San Francisco area.

• Alameda Free Library home delivery: Get library materials delivered to your home if you aren’t able to get to the library in person.
• City of Alameda free bus pass program: Mastick Senior Center members and Alameda residents with a disability who meet income requirements can receive free unlimited ride AC Transit bus passes.
• Mastick Senior Center: The City of Alameda’s Recreation & Park Department operates a senior center for adults 50 and older. Free membership offers access to services and programs, including day trips, on-site lunches, and activities.
• Alameda Meals on Wheels: Companionship and nutritious meals delivered seven days per week.
• Alameda Food Bank: Nonprofit food bank serving Alameda residents
• Alameda County Area Agency on Aging: Caregiver services, meal programs, and other senior services
• Aging and Disability Resource Connection (ADRC) of Alameda County: Short-term service coordination and transition services
• 2-1-1 Alameda County: Free, 24-hour helpline to find services and get referrals.

How Our Alameda Elder Abuse Attorneys Can Help

Elder abuse litigation can be complex, and many law firms have limited experience navigating California's unique elder abuse laws. Berman & Riedel, LLP, is recognized as one of the largest and most successful elder abuse law firms in California. Our Alameda elder abuse lawyers have the experience, resources, and dedication to protect your loved one and pursue justice.

Our firm focuses on nursing home and elder abuse across the state. We have achieved life-changing results for elder abuse victims and families, including one of the largest settlements against an RCFE in California history.

We will help you:

• Protect your loved one's security and well-being, and make sure they get the care they need
• Conduct a detailed investigation of the abuse
• Identify who may be held liable
• Collect evidence such as medical records, witness statements, and facility records
• Work with medical experts to prove the harm your loved one suffered and how it happened
• Negotiate a settlement agreement that fairly compensates your loved one
• File a lawsuit if needed and take your case before a jury
• Pursue maximum compensation to preserve your loved one's quality of life

We are committed to making sure negligent facilities and abusers are held accountable. Let our legal team help you protect your loved one.

Request a Free Consultation With an Alameda Elder Abuse Attorney at Berman & Riedel, LLP

If you believe your loved one has been harmed by elder abuse, our law firm is here to help. Our Alameda elder abuse lawyers are committed to protecting the vulnerable and holding wrongdoers accountable.

Berman & Riedel, LLP has recovered millions for clients and is recognized as a leader in elder abuse litigation across California. We serve clients in Alameda and throughout the Bay Area.

Call today to schedule your free consultation with an Alameda elder abuse attorney to explore your legal options and how we can help your family.