Leaving a family member in the care of a nursing facility can bring both peace of mind and anxiety. When a parent, grandparent, or other elderly loved one develops specialized needs, the right elder care facility can be a blessing. Unfortunately, reports of elder abuse in some nursing homes can also lead to worry. We are happy to spread the word about A Place for Mom, a free resource that helps families choose the best senior care option for their needs.
Free resource to find safe elder care
A Place for Mom covers senior housing, assisted living, and memory care facilities. It relies on the skills of local experts who review licenses and inspection reports to provide you safe options. The employees undergo a criminal background check. Any fees are paid by participating communities rather than the residents.
Ratings and rankings can shed light on the quality of a long-term care facility. Of the 187 nursing homes in South Carolina, only about 22% received overall five-star ratings under the Medicare rating system. Sixteen percent received one star ratings indicating they fell much below average standards. The ratings categories include health inspections, staffing, and quality measures.
To take advantage of the free service A Place for Mom offers, the first step is to meet with a local Senior Living Advisor who can build an assessment of resident needs. The organization uses this information to compile a list of communities that match those needs. Families can then visit the matching facilities on their own schedules. A Place for Mom offers consultations at any point in the decision-making process. Once a family finds the right place, the resident is ready to move in.
Avoiding nursing home abuse in South Carolina
The license and inspection reports that A Place for Mom reviews are intended to help protect residents by taking into account reports of nursing home negligence. Nursing home abuse and neglect are travesties that have both a physical and an emotional impact on vulnerable citizens. Some of the most common examples we at The Jeffcoat Firm see include injuries like pressure wounds, bedsores, falls, dehydration, and illnesses.
The South Carolina Bill of Rights for Residents of Long-Term Care Nursing Homes echoes federal laws by criminalizing abuse or neglect of adults who depend on long-term care. The state office of ombudsman is tasked with investigating consumer complaints, including accusations of nursing home neglect or abuse. Violators can face both criminal charges and liability in a civil lawsuit.
SC nursing home abuse lawyer
We are concerned about the epidemic of nursing home abuse in South Carolina and throughout the country. When abuse takes place, it can affect several generations – the immediate impact is on the victim but the victim’s family can also be left with feelings of anger and helplessness over not being able to prevent it. The law recognizes the seriousness of this type of victimization.
If you or a loved one have been the victim of nursing home abuse, call a South Carolina injury attorney. The Jeffcoat Firm fights for victims across the state to help them get started with recovery. For a free, no-obligation evaluation of the facts of your case, call (803) 200-2000.
