My father passed away in May 2026, a victim of vascular dementia complicated by his medical neglect and isolation at the hands of those who should have cared for him. During the earlier stages of his dementia, he was further isolated and prevented from receiving essential medical care. Despite his evident mental decline, his wife, in agreement with another family member, actively hindered any attempts to get him the help he so desperately needed.

Even as his condition worsened, my father was denied access to basic communication. He became increasingly disoriented, unable to find familiar places like my home, or reach out to family because the home phone was intentionally disconnected. His wife’s dismissive comments about his cognitive capacity—telling others that he "has no say so he has no brain"—further reveal the extent of neglect and dismissal he suffered in his final days.

Tragically, while he was in this vulnerable state, my father was coerced into signing critical financial and legal documents in the absence of any heirs who could advocate for his well-being. This not only jeopardized his assets but also his dignity. His wife’s son assumed control over all of his finances and business affairs, effectively shutting me and other potential heirs out of the decision-making process.

This is not just a personal story but a systemic issue affecting countless vulnerable individuals. Elder abuse and neglect should not be tolerated in any form, and those who exploit, isolate, or abuse elderly individuals must be held accountable. It is a violation of human rights and potentially criminal behavior.

We must act decisively to protect elders who are suffering in silence and urgently review the laws and systems in place to prevent such neglect. There needs to be stronger oversight and clearer pathways for family members concerned about the welfare of their loved ones to report their concerns without delay or obstruction.

By signing this petition, you are not only supporting my father’s memory but advocating for broader reforms that safeguard the dignity and rights of our elders. Let us work together to ensure that no other family experiences this heartbreaking neglect and that justice is served for those who have already suffered.

THE I AM RAYMOND ACT

A California proposal to protect adults with dementia from exploitation, neglect, isolation, and abuse

Purpose

The I Am Raymond Act would strengthen protections for people with diagnosed or documented cognitive impairment when others gain control of their property, finances, business interests, medical care, or legal authority. Its goal is to prevent exploitation before a vulnerable adult loses everything.

The Problem

Families can discover too late that, while a loved one was living with dementia, major deeds, business ownership, powers of attorney, beneficiary arrangements, or other financial decisions were changed. At the same time, isolation or medical neglect can make it harder for relatives or authorities to recognize what is happening.

Proposed Protections

Independent capacity safeguards. Require stronger verification of capacity before major transfers or legal-authority changes involving a person with documented dementia or significant cognitive impairment.
Review suspicious transfers. Create a clear process to examine substantial property, business, or financial transfers made after cognitive impairment is documented.
Stronger protection from undue influence. Increase scrutiny when a caregiver, spouse, relative, agent, or other person benefits from a transaction involving a cognitively impaired adult.
Accountability for powers of attorney. Require meaningful records and accountability when an agent controls significant assets or business interests.
Protection against isolation and medical neglect. Strengthen investigation when isolation, interference with medical care, or neglect may be connected to financial exploitation.
Better coordination. Improve information-sharing and response among Adult Protective Services, law enforcement,
medical professionals, and courts when credible warning signs overlap.
Why "I Am Raymond"

The name honors Raymond and represents every person with dementia whose voice, wishes, health, property, or independence may be taken from them when they can no longer fully protect themselves. The principle is simple: a dementia diagnosis should trigger protection, not opportunity for exploitation.

LEGISLATIVE

REQUEST

Please consider sponsoring, developing, or referring this proposal for California legislative counsel review and stakeholder discussion.

Please sign this petition to demand change and protect our vulnerable elders.