How to Report Nursing Home Abuse and Neglect in South Carolina

When placing a loved one in a nursing home, you expect them to receive proper care, dignity, and respect. Unfortunately, some facilities fail to meet these standards, resulting in abuse or neglect. If you suspect your loved one is a victim, it's crucial to take immediate action. Below, we outline how to recognize the signs of abuse, report it, and protect your loved one under South Carolina law.

1. Recognize the Signs of Nursing Home Abuse and Neglect

Nursing home abuse and neglect can take many forms, including physical, emotional, financial, and medical harm. Common warning signs include:

• Physical Abuse: Unexplained bruises, burns, or fractures.
• Neglect: Poor hygiene, bedsores, or malnutrition.
• Emotional Abuse: Withdrawal, depression, or fearfulness.
• Financial Exploitation: Sudden changes in finances or unauthorized transactions.
• Medical Neglect: Missed medications, untreated infections, or worsening health conditions.

Trust your instincts—if something feels wrong, it's better to investigate than to ignore it.

2. Take Immediate Steps to Protect Your Loved One

If you believe your loved one is in immediate danger, take action to ensure their safety:

1. Call 911 if the situation is life-threatening or requires urgent medical attention.
2. Remove Your Loved One from the Facility if possible and safe to do so.

3. Report Nursing Home Abuse or Neglect in South Carolina

South Carolina has resources dedicated to addressing elder abuse and neglect. Here's how to report:

Contact the South Carolina Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program

The Ombudsman Program investigates complaints of abuse, neglect, and exploitation in long-term care facilities.

• Phone: Call 1-800-868-9095.
• Online: Submit a complaint through the South Carolina Department on Aging website.

Report to the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC)

The DHEC oversees nursing home licensing and compliance.

• Phone: Call DHEC's Bureau of Certification at 1-803-545-4370.
• Online: File a complaint on their website.

Notify Local Law Enforcement

In cases of suspected criminal activity, report your concerns to local police or the county sheriff's office.

File a Complaint with Adult Protective Services (APS)

If your loved one resides in a facility but retains autonomy, APS may investigate abuse or neglect.

• Phone: Call South Carolina DSS Adult Protective Services at 1-888-227-3487.

4. Document Everything

Keep detailed records of:

• Dates, times, and details of incidents.
• Photos of injuries or unsafe conditions.
• Witness statements or staff interactions.
  This evidence can strengthen your case when reporting or pursuing legal action.

5. Consult a South Carolina Nursing Home Abuse Attorney

While reporting abuse to authorities is essential, holding negligent facilities accountable often requires legal action. An experienced attorney can:

• Investigate your claim and gather evidence.
• File lawsuits against the facility for negligence or abuse.
• Advocate for fair compensation for your loved one's suffering.

Why Choose Our Firm?

With offices in Charleston, Georgetown, Myrtle Beach, and Pawleys Island, we have a deep understanding of South Carolina's nursing home regulations. Our compassionate team is dedicated to protecting vulnerable residents and ensuring justice for families.

Contact Us for a Free Consultation

If you suspect your loved one has been abused or neglected in a nursing home, don't wait. Contact our South Carolina offices today to discuss your case. Together, we'll fight for your loved one's safety and dignity.