The family of 83-year-old Shelba Catterton is suing Harmony at West Ashley after she was found covered in nearly 1,000 ant bites outside the memory care facility on July 23. Catterton, who had Alzheimer’s disease, died on August 7 after being hospitalized and later placed in hospice care.
The lawsuit alleges negligence, wrongful death, and violations of South Carolina regulations governing Alzheimer’s care facilities. Her family and attorney Nathan Hughey allege that an unsecured door allowed her to leave the facility and that staff failed to obtain timely medical attention.
“To my knowledge, I’ve handled the most elder abuse cases in the last 25 years in the state,” Hughey said. “This is the worst thing I’ve ever seen.”
Charleston Police are investigating Catterton’s death. Harmony Senior Services has acknowledged the matter but declined to comment on the case because it is currently in litigation.
