News Summary
The Above the Rest residential care facility in Florence is under scrutiny following the arrest of a staff member amid reported staffing violations by the South Carolina Department of Public Health. The incident occurred when a resident’s medical emergency revealed inadequate staffing, resulting in safety concerns for the 36 residents. In response, the facility has submitted a plan of correction while highlighting ongoing operations despite the situation.
Florence, SC
The Above the Rest residential care facility in Florence, South Carolina, is facing scrutiny after a staff member was arrested amidst staffing violations cited by the South Carolina Department of Public Health (SCDPH). The incident has raised significant concerns regarding the safety and management of the facility.
On June 6, law enforcement was summoned to the facility after a resident reported a medical emergency. However, when paramedics arrived, they found no personnel available on-site. They subsequently contacted deputies for assistance. Officers ultimately located one individual in an activity room; this employee was found unresponsive and later arrested due to outstanding bench warrants. Following a search of the employee’s vehicle, deputies discovered illegal substances, including cocaine and marijuana, alongside nearly $3,800 in cash. The employee remains in custody at the Florence County Detention Center, and further charges may be forthcoming as the investigation progresses.
In the wake of the incident, SCDPH inspectors conducted a visit to the facility on the same day and reported that there were 36 residents present at the time. The department cited Above the Rest for not having adequate staffing to provide proper supervision, direct care, and essential services for its residents. The absence of multiple staff members during the medical emergency has significantly heightened concerns regarding resident safety.
In response to the violations, Above the Rest has submitted an approved plan of correction to the SCDPH, which includes measures aimed at improving staffing levels. The facility’s owner, Felicia Thomas, has stated that they are “still flourishing and welcoming new residents,” indicating that the facility intends to continue its operations despite the recent challenges.
The Florence County Sheriff’s Office confirmed the alarming situation by stating that no other employees were present at the facility when the deputies were called. The lack of staffing during a critical moment adds to the concerns regarding the management of the facility and the well-being of its residents.
Residential care facilities play a vital role in providing assistance and care to individuals who may need help with daily living tasks. However, incidents such as this underscore the importance of appropriate staffing and oversight to ensure the safety and welfare of vulnerable populations. As the situation develops, it remains crucial for the community and regulatory bodies to monitor the actions taken by the facility to address these violations.
The ongoing investigation and response efforts will determine the future operations of Above the Rest and ensure the necessary measures are implemented to uphold the safety standards essential in residential care settings.
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Additional Resources
- WPDE: Florence Residential Care Facility Owner Responds
- Wikipedia: Residential Care
- Post and Courier: Above the Rest Residential Care Employee Arrest
- Google Search: Florence SC Residential Care Facilities
- WBTW: Deputies Arrest Florence County Residential Care Center Employee
- Google Scholar: Residential Care Facilities in South Carolina
- Fits News: Employee with Outstanding Warrants Found Alone
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Residential Care Facility
- WPDE: Care Facility Employee Arrested on Outstanding Warrants
- Google News: Florence County Residential Care
