Florence and Hartsville Care Facilities Shut Down Amidst Disturbing Conditions
Folks in Florence and Hartsville are raising their eyebrows as two local care facilities have come to a screeching halt. What’s the scoop? Well, it turns out that these places were home to not just seniors needing support but also a medley of critters and some serious hygiene issues that left state regulators no choice but to shut them down!
Inspection Reports Paint a Grim Picture
According to reports from the state Department of Health, inspection teams swooped in and uncovered a jaw-dropping reality at the Patriot Living campuses, which are managed by the Greer-based Cunningham-Waters Construction Company. After a thorough check, the facilities were ordered to cease operations on November 18, startlingly revealing the squalid state of affairs within.
We’re talking about living environments where flies and gnats buzzed around merrily, while pesky bees and mosquitoes made themselves at home. To top it off, they found live bed bugs! And if that’s not enough to make your skin crawl, there was also an “offensive” urine odor lingering in the air. Definitely not the kind of atmosphere you want for loved ones!
Conditions That Can’t Be Ignored
The combined 160 residents now need to find new homes as they were transferred to other facilities following the closures. Reacting to inspections conducted throughout the year, officials were consistently left disheartened by the “not-so-cozy” living conditions they encountered.
During a January inspection of the facility at 739 S. Parker Drive, several red flags popped up. Issues ranged from incomplete records regarding medication carts to window blinds lying on the floor. You’d expect a place where residents are receiving oxygen treatment to show some care, right? Yet, there was no “no smoking” sign on the door!
Repeated Ratings of Dismay
The pattern of alarming conditions continued throughout the year. February didn’t bring any changes, and the site received a dismal 0.0 rating. Come April, officials found even more serious maintenance issues like holes in flooring and toilets that were left unsecured. Talk about making it hard to relax!
In July, the unfavorable trend persisted with another 0.0 overall rating. Auditors noticed the sweltering dining room reaching temperatures of 84 degrees, not exactly ideal for dining. Pictures of bed bugs, roaches, and even spiders on walls and under beds added to the horror!
More Shocking Discoveries
August’s inspection yielded more grim results, including a walkthrough that revealed mold spreading on furniture and the unsettling presence of even more bed bugs. The staff encountered a strong, pungent odor of urine and cigarette smoke that wafted unpleasantly through the rooms. This isn’t the kind of living arrangement anyone would want for their family members!
The Hartsville Facility’s Troubles
Returning in July, inspectors reported areas that were still plagued with vermin and offensive odors. It’s safe to say that if this place were a restaurant, it would definitely not pass a health inspection!
What’s Next for Residents?
With the closures now in effect, it’s a frantic time for residents and their families. The future remains uncertain as they navigate through finding suitable accommodations amidst what has been a worrying sequence of neglect and chaos. It’s critical that our elders are housed in safe and hygienic conditions where they can feel comfortable and cared for.
In the grand scheme of things, we can only hope that these facilities implement necessary changes and prioritize the health and well-being of their residents in the future!
Author: STAFF HERE FLORENCE WRITER
FLORENCE STAFF WRITER The FLORENCE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREFlorence.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Florence, Florence County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Florence Festival of Lights, Pee Dee Pride, and agricultural expos at the Florence Center. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Florence Regional Chamber of Commerce and the Pee Dee Area Council of Governments, plus leading businesses in healthcare and retail that power the local economy such as McLeod Health and Pee Dee Electric Cooperative. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERECharleston.com, HEREColumbia.com, HEREGreenville.com, and HEREHiltonHead.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.
