Last Friday, Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger signed Assembly bill 392, which provides funding for California’s long-term care ombudsman programs. The bill does not restore entirely the cuts that were made last year, but the $1.6 million appropriation to approximately 36 agencies throughout the state will provide sorely needed money to programs that, only weeks ago, were on the brink of dissolution.
“This legislation could make the difference between life and death for nursing home patients facing abuse or neglect. Now patients and their families who depend on the Ombudsman to monitor facilities and investigate key complaints can rest a little easier,” said California Assembly member Mike Feuer.
Last year’s cuts were exemplified in several high profile cases of nursing home abuse and neglect. In June 2009, a nursing home facility owner and a caregiver were arrested on suspicion of criminal abuse and neglect when a resident suffered from pressure sores so severe they led to a fatal infection.
The population of elder adults in California is expected to grow to 6.5 million by 2010, and to 9 million by 2020.
Source: California Chronicle
The attorneys at Walton Law Firm LLP prosecute nursing homes for the abuse and neglect of its elderly residents. Call (866) 607-1325 for a free and confidential consultation.