Many of us in South Carolina have a loved one in a nursing home or assisted-living facility. We want the best for them and often cannot provide the kind of care they need in the comfort of our homes. Many of them require constant monitoring, take numerous medications, and need assistance with even the most basic of human needs. Their care often falls on the professional staff of a nursing home.
The decision to move a loved one to an elder care facility is far from easy, but we entrust these organizations to provide compassionate care. Sadly, some nursing homes violate our trust by providing sub-standard and negligent care. If a loved one has suffered mistreatment from a nursing home facility, contact your local South Carolina elder advocacy group and a nursing home abuse lawyer for help.
Elder abuse at nursing homes is a widespread problem. For senior citizens and people with disabilities, it happens all the time. Abuse and neglect in nursing homes can lead to serious injury and even death. An abused elder can suffer emotional, psychological, and physical pain and often feel alone and frightened.
What is Elder Abuse?
Elder abuse refers to intentional or neglectful acts by a caregiver or “trusted” individual that harm or can lead to harm in a vulnerable elder.
Types of elder abuse:
- Physical
- Sexual
- Emotional
- Psychological
- Verbal
Types of elder neglect:
- Refusal of Food and/or Water
- Refusal of Clothing
- Refusal of Medication
- Refusal of Personal Hygiene
- Refusal of Personal Comfort
Two other common forms of elder abuse in nursing homes are the exploitation of an elder’s finances and healthcare fraud.
If your loved one has been a victim, contact a nursing home abuse lawyer
If a loved one has been the victim of nursing home abuse or neglect, please seek the advice of a personal injury lawyer. They can make sure a full investigation is performed, look into the history of both the nursing home and the caregivers, as well as file claims for financial compensation.
A personal injury attorney can advise you in identifying warning signs and help put an end to your loved one’s abuse or neglect.
South Carolina Resources for Nursing Home Abuse
If you suspect an elder care facility in South Carolina is mistreating their patients, then report it. To report suspected elder abuse, neglect, or exploitation in Columbia, Greenville, Spartanburg, Myrtle Beach, and surrounding South Carolina areas.
For suspected elder mistreatment in long-term care facilities:
Inside Richland County – 803-734-9900
Outside Richland County – 800-868-9095
For suspected elder mistreatment in private or foster homes:
803-898-7318
For more information on filing a complaint of elder abuse visit South Carolina’s Department of Health and Environmental Control.
Visit the following websites for more resources on elder abuse, neglect, and exploitation.
National Center on Elder Abuse
South Carolina Department of Social Services – Adult Protective Services
South Carolina Lieutenant Governor’s Office on Aging
HELPGUIDE – A non-profit health organization with detailed information on elder abuse.
Have Your Case Reviewed
Harris and Graves is an experinced personal injury law firm in South Carolina with offices in Greenville, Columbia, Spartanburg, Rock Hill and Florence. Our law firm has been serving South Carolina since 1977 and handles cases including car accidents, truck accidents, motorcycle accidents, and workers compensation. To schedule a consultation with one of our practicing attorneys, please give us a call at 877-958-8038 or complete our inquiry contact form.