Orange, California

Welcome to the website of the City of Orange for the Law Offices of Ben Yeroushalmi. We have designed this page to increase the awareness of residents of Orange on the issues of elder mistreatment in nursing homes. If you suspect there has been wrongful action, neglect or abuse committed towards you or your loved ones, we are here to provide the legal support you need.

Originally named Richland, the City of Orange in California has records since the mid-18th century during the expansion of the Spanish Empire. It was known for its rich soil for farming and pleasant climate. After the Mexican-American War, the land ownership fell into the hands of two lawyers—Alfred Chapman and Andrew Glassell, who soon established its central town, now called Orange Plaza Square, or Orange Circle by locals. As the City of Orange is home to 136,416 people of diverse family structures, it is important for its city residents to understand how to care for its elderly, especially those placed in skilled nursing facilities or assisted living facilities. In total, there are 5 nursing homes and 4 assisted living facilities in Orange.

A study in 2016 revealed that despite the increase of guidelines to prevent ulcers from reoccurring in U.S. nursing homes, the rate of pressure ulcers developing in patients in these facilities remain high. Pressure ulcers generally happen when residents remain in bed for long periods of time, which often are due to medical conditions or generally from not being able to walk. For less mobile or immobile residents, nursing homes have policies to turn residents every 2 hours to prevent ulcers from forming. Ulcers typical form in the lower back, shoulders, back of the head, elbows and heels. However, due to understaffing issues, nursing homes may not provide the needed turning. In these situations, the ulcers may not be discovered until they are at a late stage, where skin has been broken through and the ulcer has become a deep open wound, reaching as far as the bone itself. It is important to note that ulcers may not be detectable through experiencing pain. Nonetheless, because nursing homes should be interacting with residents frequently, their staff should be able to detect these changes of skin integrity easily without the resident informing them. Other violations of the Patients’ Bill of Rights include lack of proper nutrition and hydration and even hygiene.

Further, older adults also tend to have incontinence from medication side effects, or from normal aging, such as weaker muscles. Incontinence often leads to moist skin, increasing the risk of older adults of developing ulcers. As such, residents with such conditions should always be checked to ensure ulcers do not form. As long-time professionals in this field, nursing homes are aware of these facts and should staff appropriately to maintain oversight over their residents’ skin. Because residents should have basic hygiene provisions and turning, ulcers should never be discovered in late stages.

At the Law office of Ben Yeroushalmi, we believe in the protection of older adults, their families and their rights. If you believe your loved one’s rights at a nursing home or assisted living facility have been violated, contact us today for a free consultation.