Dependent Adults

What is a dependent adult under California law?

October 15, 2026 | by Yeroushalmi Law

In California, a dependent adult is a person between the ages of 18 and 64 who has a physical and/or mental condition that limits their ability to carry out normal daily activities or to protect their own rights. If your loved one falls into that age range and relies on others for care, they may qualify — and specific legal protections may apply to them.

Why does the definition of “dependent adult” matter?

It determines whether a broader set of legal protections applies to your loved one. California has a body of law — separate from general personal injury law — that covers abuse and neglect of elders and dependent adults. If your loved one qualifies as a dependent adult, that designation can come into play when something goes wrong in a residential care home setting.

Abuse in an ICF-DD or Regional Center Facility: What Families Can Do

October 14, 2026 | by Yeroushalmi Law

If your loved one lives in an Intermediate Care Facility for the Developmentally Disabled (ICF-DD) or a facility tied to a regional center in California, and you are concerned that something is wrong, take a moment to read this blog post. Signs of neglect and abuse in these settings can look like confusion, withdrawal, unexplained injuries, or a sudden change in mood. Knowing what to look for and what steps are available to take can help you protect your loved one.

What is an ICF-DD, and who lives there?

An ICF-DD is a licensed residential facility that provides health and habilitative services to people with developmental disabilities. Many residents have intellectual disabilities, autism, cerebral palsy, epilepsy, or related conditions. Some residents are nonverbal or have significant difficulty communicating pain or distress. That communication gap is exactly what makes attentive, consistent care so critical — and what makes harm so easy to miss from the outside.

What protections does the Elder Abuse and Dependent Adult Civil Protection Act provide?

September 22, 2026 | by Yeroushalmi Law

California’s Elder Abuse and Dependent Adult Civil Protection Act is a civil law that gives older adults and dependent adults — and their families — the ability to hold individuals and care facilities legally accountable for abuse and neglect. It covers physical abuse, neglect, financial abuse, and more, and it provides remedies that go beyond ordinary injury claims.

Who does this law protect?

The law protects two groups of people. The first is adults age 65 and older. The second is dependent adults — people between 18 and 64 who have physical and/or mental limitations that restrict their ability to carry out normal activities or protect their own rights. A person living in a Skilled Nursing Facility or an Assisted Living Facility is very likely to fall into one or both categories.

Can You Sue a Group Home for Neglect in California?

September 18, 2026 | by Yeroushalmi Law

Yes, you can sue a group home for neglect in California. If your family member lives in a group home and is being harmed through poor care, ignored medical needs, or unsafe conditions, California law gives families a path to hold that facility accountable. The protections that apply are broad and were written specifically for adults in care settings like group homes.

What counts as a group home under California law?

A group home is a residential facility where adults live together and receive care and supervision. In California, these facilities go by different names depending on who they serve and what license they hold. You may hear terms like residential care facility, board and care home, adult residential facility, or community care facility.

Do Adults with Developmental Disabilities Count as Dependent Adults Under California’s Elder Abuse Act?

September 16, 2026 | by Yeroushalmi Law

Yes. In California, adults with developmental disabilities can qualify as dependent adults under the same law that protects elderly people from abuse and neglect. You do not have to be over 65. If your adult family member has a condition that limits their ability to care for themselves, they may have the same legal protections as any nursing home resident — and the same rights if those protections are violated.

What exactly is a dependent adult under California law?

A dependent adult is generally any person between the ages of 18 and 64 who has a physical and/or mental limitation that restricts their ability to carry out normal activities or to protect their own rights. That definition is broad on purpose. It covers people with physical disabilities, cognitive impairments, serious mental illness, and developmental disabilities. Age alone is not the deciding factor — the level of limitation is.