Welcome to the Tustin page for elder abuse attorneys at the Yeroushalmi Law. Our office is dedicated to helping people who have suffered from the injuries of nursing home neglect. Under California Health and Safety Code 1430(b), if you or your loved one has been the victim of abuse in a nursing facility, you are entitled to sue for damages. Our offices specialize in such cases and are eminently situated to help you or your loved one get the quality of care that each and every nursing home resident deserves.
The "City of Trees" deserves its name, both in past and in future. While today the streets are lined up and down with trees, the land bought back in the 19th century by Columbus Tustin was distinctive due to the majestic white Sycamore trees dotting the landscape. This species gave way to the planting of Valencia orange groves as the city began to grow around the turn of the century. So in 1927, with 900 residents, Tustin incorporated. The true expansion came after the war, as both the population and city size boomed, partly due to the annexation of surrounding unincorporated areas. Today the city is home to just over 75,000 people and 11 square miles of land. The easy commute to Los Angeles and its high ranked schools have made it one of Forbes top 25 cities in the USA. And while the natural artesian wells that drew the first settlers are perhaps not the main draw for modern residents, "Old Town" Tustin still provides a connection with the city's history and a nice place to spend an afternoon. There are currently two Skilled Nursing Facilities in Tustin, and a further eight in Santa Ana just to the West.
In nursing homes, maintaining quality of life is vital to happiness. This very commonly involves helping residents to keep their independence as long as can be, in whatever way is possible. In order to do this, nursing homes must provide each person with enough direct care to assist and supervise daily activities, such as feeding. For those patients who have the physical and mental capacity, feeding themselves can be very beneficial to mood and quality of life. But the nursing facility must still supervise each meal, to make sure food intake fulfills nutrition requirements. Unfortunately, many nursing homes are understaffed and do not provide every patient with the assistance they may need. Lack of supervision can result in malnutrition and weight loss, which makes patients more susceptible to infection, pressure ulcers, and falls due to general weakness. It is the facilities responsibility to make sure that its patients do not become malnourished or dehydrated.
Another area where understaffing in nursing homes commonly results in a lower quality of life is in dealing with patients suffering from incontinence. Loss of bladder or bowel control can be extremely distressing. Nursing home staff should be aware of this and make an effort deal with the issue sensitively and with respect for each patient's dignity. But all too frequently patients in such positions are put through very uncomfortable and dangerous situations. Without adequate staff, some people are left un-cleaned for extended periods of time after an incident. Others may suffer falls as they try to move to the bathroom with the necessary assistance. Such instances constitute abuse and are in violation of ever patient's right to be treated with respect.
If your loved one has been made to suffer due to understaffing at his or her nursing, please contact us today. We want to help you put an end to such abuse. Tell us about your situation in a free consultation at our offices or at your home or hospital bed if you cannot come to us.