Statement on Recent Assisted Living Evacuations in SC

January 6, 2023

AARP Statement Regarding DHEC’s Emergency Evacuation and Licensure Suspension at Four Assisted Living Facilities

“AARP South Carolina is alarmed by recent findings of neglect and violations that led DHEC to order emergency resident evacuations and licensure suspensions at four assisted living facilities. The violations and conditions uncovered—including lack of food, no staffing, no working heat, unsanitary conditions and failure to distribute medication to residents—are unacceptable. We are calling on lawmakers to respond immediately to the clear and dire need to improve oversight of assisted living and other long-term care facilities and expand care options that make it possible for more seniors to age in their own homes. Too many lives are at risk.

“The safe and adequate care of older adults is an important issue for AARP’s more than 600,000 members in South Carolina, their families and the state’s growing senior population. For many South Carolinians, these cases bring to mind a long history of abuse, neglect and poor care in far too many of the state’s long-term care facilities—a situation made worse by the pandemic.

“AARP South Carolina will meet with state regulatory agencies and key lawmakers in the coming weeks. We will continue to push for process improvements, protections, additional funding and concrete solutions to make assisted living facilities and other long-term care settings safer and more accountable, while protecting the dignity and wellbeing of older adults.

“Now more than ever, it’s time to hold facilities accountable for providing the high-quality care and safe environments our loved ones deserve. Every lawmaker in the state should take these cases personally and call for immediate long-term care reform in South Carolina.”

If you suspect abuse or neglect in a long-term care facility in South Carolina, contact DHEC at 800-922-6735 or the SC Long Term Care Ombudsman at 1-800-868-9095.