As of late April, there are approximately 4,900 people in South Carolina who have been diagnosed with COVID-19 and nearly 145 deaths.
South Carolina nursing homes have been hit especially hard. As of April 22, 2020, 30 COVID-19 cases have been confirmed at the Heritage Lowman Nursing Home. The numbers break down as follows: 28 residents and 2 staff members have been diagnosed with COVID-19.
About Heritage Lowman Nursing Home
Heritage Lowman Nursing Home is a continuing care retirement community. It offers such options as independent living, assisted living, rehabilitation, memory support, long term care, Lutheran Hospice, and BeWell Home Services and BeWell Home.
To better define the scope of COVID-19 at South Carolina nursing homes and facilities that offer the same type of services, the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control are providing updates regularly that those facilities that have a confirmed case of COVID-19 as well as COVID-19 positive cases regarding residents and staff members.
The spread of respiratory illnesses is nothing new for South Carolina nursing homes and nursing homes throughout the United States due to the shared living and dining conditions.
There are also limitations of social distancing, and the South Carolina Department of Health is working closely with nursing home facilities to provide guidance and implement recommendations as to how to best protect their residents and the dedicated workers who care for them.
State response to Nursing Homes and COVID-19
A South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control spokesperson recently was quoted as saying, “This virus is taking its toll on those most vulnerable to it, including our friends and family who reside in nursing homes and assisted care facilities. Around the country, nursing homes and similar facilities have been challenged to implement unprecedented safety precautions while also providing important care to their residents.”
Additionally, the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control plans to provide the number of COVID-19 deaths associated with nursing homes. They are compiling and verifying this information to help give a clearer picture of COVID-19’s impact on the residents, staff, and visitors.
On March 12, 2020, the Governor issued an executive order that stopped public visitation to these types of facilities in order to assist in protecting the vulnerable residents and the staff who cares for them.
Legal Help for Nursing Home Residents during COVID-19
Columbia, South Carolina attorney Michael Jeffcoat, sympathizes with those that have lost loved ones to this deadly pandemic. If you have lost a loved one who was in a nursing home or similar facility in South Carolina, Columbia nursing home neglect attorney Michael Jeffcoat, is here to help you evaluate your case, and advise you of your next legal steps.
His office offers free consultations and is here to help you and your family during this difficult time.