Isolation of an elder is illegal in California

It is illegal for a person to isolate an elder in California and is considered elder abuse under Welfare and Institutions Code section 15610.07. Sometimes family members are confronted with a scenario where a roommate, caregiver, family member, significant other, doctor, or even a lawyer tells the person that the elder is off-limits from visitation.

Under Welfare and Institutions Code section 15610.43 "isolation" is defined as including acts that prevent an elder from sending or receiving mail, sending or receiving phone calls, or having visits from family, friends, or concerned persons. It is illegal for an individual to isolate an elder under such conditions. If you find yourself in a situation where an elderly person you love is suddenly not being allowed to speak to you or someone else is telling you they do not wish to see you, then you may have a situation involving the abuse of an elder.