Shocking Conditions Lead to Closure of Care Facilities in Florence and Hartsville
Florence, S.C. — The community of Florence is reeling after disturbing reports surfaced about the conditions at several residential care facilities in the area. In a shocking turn of events, multiple facilities licensed to a Greer-based construction company were shut down last month amid revelations of unsanitary conditions and neglect. This situation has raised serious concerns for the safety and well-being of the 160 residents living there.
A String of Alarming Inspections
The troubles began to unfold during a series of inspections carried out by the state Department of Health. On November 18, the facilities, which are part of the Patriot Living campuses in Florence, Hartsville, Sumter, and Taylors, were ordered to cease operations due to what officials described as “squalid conditions”.
Inspection reports reveal a litany of horrific issues, with inspectors finding evidence of bed bugs, roaches, and even flying insects like mosquitos and gnats swarming about. Some facilities were found to be infested with live bed bugs, while others had a strong, lingering odor of urine that was deemed “offensive.”
Revelations from Specific Facilities
Take a closer look at the facility located at 739 S. Parker Drive, for example. During a January 17 inspection, it was concerning to find a medication cart with incomplete records, along with window blinds that had fallen to the floor. Even more alarming was the absence of a “no smoking” sign on the door of a resident who needed oxygen treatment.
Following these inspections, state officials set a due date for a corrective action plan, but shockingly, the facility received a 0.0 rating in subsequent reviews. It didn’t stop there; inspections conducted in April and July uncovered even more issues, such as holes in the floor, broken chairs, and toilets that were not even secured to the ground.
As summer rolled around, temperatures soared up to 84 degrees in the dining room, creating an uncomfortable environment for residents. The challenges didn’t end with just temperature; inspectors found bed bugs, roaches, and spiders crawling on walls and lurking under beds and sinks. Clearly, these were not safe spaces for individuals who need assistance the most.
Mold and Mildew: A Major Concern
August revealed even more damning findings with reports of mold on a DVD player and nightstands. The odor in the rooms was so strong it was described as “pungent”, a mix of urine and cigarette smoke that simply can’t be tolerated.
Critical Plumbing Issues
Meanwhile, in Hartsville, a May inspection brought to light severe plumbing issues. Some bathrooms had water that was way below 100 degrees, with one measuring just 80 degrees! In contrast, one bathroom had temperatures scorching at 133 degrees. This is beyond concerning, especially for residents who rely on adequate heating for hygiene.
After another inspection in late May, the facility received yet another 0.0 score. This time, 16 residential rooms failed to maintain comfortable temperatures, with two rooms reaching as high as 87 degrees. No one should have to endure those conditions.
Ongoing Health Risks
Each time officials returned to the E. Home Avenue facility, more issues were revealed, including unaddressed vermin and offensive odors that made these homes unbearable to live in. It’s heartbreaking to think that vulnerable individuals were living through these conditions.
The state is now working to ensure that these residents are transferred to safer, healthier environments where their needs can be adequately met. As the situation continues to develop, it raises critical questions about oversight in residential care facilities and how we can better protect our community’s most vulnerable members.
