What should I do if I suspect my loved one is being abused or neglected in a nursing home or assisted living facility?

Trust your instincts. If something feels wrong, it probably is. Start by documenting everything you can: take photos of any visible injuries, write down dates and descriptions of what you observed, and keep records of every conversation with facility staff. That documentation becomes powerful evidence later.
South Carolina law requires that suspected abuse be reported within 24 hours. Depending on where your loved one lives, you should contact:
- Long Term Care Ombudsman at 1-800-868-9095 (for residents in nursing homes, assisted living facilities, or community residential care facilities)
- Adult Protective Services through the SC Department of Social Services at 1-888-227-3487 (for elders living at home or in the community)
- SLED Special Victims Unit at 1-866-200-6066 (for residents in facilities operated by the SC Department of Mental Health or Department of Disabilities and Special Needs)
- If your loved one is in immediate danger, call 911 first.
After reporting, contact an experienced elder abuse attorney who can help you investigate the full scope of what happened, preserve critical evidence before it disappears, and pursue accountability against every responsible party. Call Hughey Law Firm at (843) 881-8644 for a free, confidential consultation.