At what point should we consider moving our loved one to a different facility?
The decision to move a loved one is deeply personal and carries its own set of emotional and logistical challenges. From a safety standpoint, a facility that has not responded to documented concerns, has been cited by DHEC for repeated deficiencies, or where your loved one’s health has declined without adequate clinical explanation warrants serious […]
What should you do if your loved one asks you not to raise concerns with the facility?
This is one of the most difficult situations families face. A resident who fears staff retaliation for family complaints may genuinely not want concerns raised. Balancing respect for your loved one’s wishes with their safety is not easy. An attorney can help you think through the options, including ways to raise concerns that reduce the […]
Should we install a camera in our loved one’s room?
South Carolina has not enacted a specific statute authorizing or prohibiting room cameras in assisted living facilities, which are sometimes called “granny cam” laws. Whether it is legal and practical to install a camera depends on the specific circumstances, including the facility’s policies and your loved one’s privacy rights and consent. An attorney can advise […]
What should you do if staff become defensive or dismissive when you ask specific questions?
Defensive responses to reasonable, specific questions are informative in themselves. Document the response, including who gave it and what they said. Escalate the issue in writing to the facility director or director of nursing. If the written escalation does not produce a satisfactory response, filing a regulatory complaint with DHEC and consulting an attorney are […]
Can a facility restrict our access to our loved ones or their records?
South Carolina law protects the rights of residents to maintain contact with family members and to allow authorized representatives to access their records. A facility that restricts access without legal justification is violating these rights. If you’re experiencing access barriers, an assisted living facility attorney can advise you on how to address them promptly.