Florence, S.C.: Alarming Conditions Force Closure of Local Care Facilities
Last month, the peace of Florence and Hartsville was shattered by shocking revelations about several residential care facilities in the area. State inspection reports unveil a dizzying array of unsanitary and hazardous conditions that forced officials to shut down these facilities, leaving around 160 residents scrambling for alternative accommodations.
What Went Wrong?
It all started on November 18, when the state Department of Health stepped in and mandated that the facilities operated by Patriot Living, under the license of Greer-based Cunningham-Waters Construction Company, cease operations. The details emerging from state inspection documents reveal a litany of problems so concerning that one might wonder how they went unnoticed for so long.
Inspection reports tell a grim tale of flies and gnats, bees and mosquitoes, and even live bed bugs mingling with residents, creating an environment that many would deem uninhabitable. And if that wasn’t enough, inspectors noted an “offensive” odor of urine that permeated the facilities, raising serious questions about the care and cleanliness of the environment those residents had to endure.
What the Inspections Found
One particular facility located at 739 S. Parker Drive was a hotbed for complaints. A visit there on January 17 turned up incomplete medication records and a series of troubling maintenance issues, including fallen window blinds and a shocking absence of necessary safety signage—most notably, a “no smoking” sign at a resident’s door who was on oxygen treatment.
Despite promises for improvement, follow-up inspections in subsequent months saw the facility consistently rated at a dismal 0.0. Among the alarming discoveries were holes in floors, broken chairs, and toilets that had not been secured. As if that weren’t enough, the environment was stifling, with temperatures soaring up to 84 degrees in the dining room.
August painted an even grimmer picture with mold spreading on surfaces and persistent sightings of pests everywhere—from bed bugs to roaches and even spiders lounging on the walls. The smell of urine and cigarette smoke dominated the air, making it clear that this was not a facility for the faint of heart.
Don’t Forget Hartsville
Reports cited that 16 residential rooms did not maintain temperatures within the mandated range of 72 to 78 degrees, with one room hitting a shocking 87 degrees. To top it off, inspectors noted that the Hartsville facility was “not free of vermin and offensive odors.”
The Road Ahead
With state officials taking swift action, residents are now in the process of being transferred to safer locations. There’s a call for better oversight, improved conditions, and a thorough reevaluation of all facilities in the area to prevent such horrifying conditions from recurring. Transfer plans for the residents are currently underway, ensuring that they will soon reside in environments that prioritize their safety and well-being.
As these events unfold, it serves as a critical reminder that our elderly and vulnerable populations deserve well-kept, safe living conditions. Community members are encouraged to stay vigilant and support one another in ensuring that the facilities in our area provide not just shelter, but a healthy and nurturing home.
