News Summary
Above the Rest Residential Care in Florence, SC, faces serious citations for inadequate staffing and safety concerns following an emergency incident. The South Carolina Department of Public Health issued multiple violations after staff was found absent during a medical emergency, leading to the discovery of a staff member’s arrest for drug-related offenses. This facility has a troubled history with numerous inspections revealing persistent issues, raising community concerns about the safety of its residents.
Florence, South Carolina
The Above the Rest Residential Care facility in Florence, South Carolina, has been cited for multiple violations concerning inadequate staffing and safety concerns following a recent emergency response incident. The South Carolina Department of Public Health (SCDPH) issued the citations after emergency services discovered a lack of supervision when they arrived at the facility on June 6, 2025.
The incident began when a resident at the facility called 911 requesting medical assistance. Upon arrival, paramedics found no staff members present and subsequently contacted local police. Upon searching the facility, officers located a single staff member, Na’Trell Bryant, unconscious in an activity room. Bryant, who had two outstanding warrants, was arrested on site.
During a subsequent search of Bryant’s vehicle, law enforcement found illegal substances, including cocaine and marijuana, as well as nearly $3,800 in cash. At the time of the emergency response, there were 36 residents living at Above the Rest, raising significant concerns about their safety and well-being.
Following the inspection, SCDPH found serious violations, including unsecured doors that led to both the facility and medication storage areas, highlighting a lack of proper security measures. The facility has been cited for insufficient staffing, making it unable to provide adequate supervision and basic care for its residents.
In response to these issues, Above the Rest submitted a plan of correction which includes the hiring of four additional full-time staff members to address the staffing shortage. This incident has not been an isolated event, as the facility has documented 54 violations over the past 33 months, spanning various concerns such as medication mismanagement, instances of abuse, and failures related to sanitation.
Concerns about Oversight and Management
The facility has a troubled history, with numerous investigations stemming from complaints of neglect, abuse, and unsafe operational practices. The SCDPH noted notable deficiencies in oversight, with at least five inspection periods where no inspections took place for over 40 days, including a troubling 98-day period without any evaluations.
Compounding the situation, Felicia Thomas, the owner of Above the Rest, has a criminal record involving serious charges related to drug trafficking and fraud. Additionally, she is the mother of Na’Trell Bryant, which raises further questions about management practices and conflicts of interest in staffing and operations.
Complaints lodged against the facility have reported incidents of staff members sleeping on duty, failing to respond adequately to medical emergencies, and lacking proper professional credentials. These persistent issues have generated significant anxiety within the local community over the systemic failures in providing sufficient care for vulnerable residents.
Ongoing Investigations and Regulatory Actions
The Florence County Sheriff’s Office, along with the South Carolina Attorney General’s office, is currently conducting investigations into the operations of Above the Rest. The recent incident has been classified as a Class I violation, indicating a serious threat to the health and safety of the residents.
In light of the findings, the SCDPH has emphasized the urgency for stronger enforcement and oversight mechanisms to ensure the protection of residents in facilities like Above the Rest. As investigations continue, the future of the facility remains uncertain, and community members are calling for improvements in the standards of care provided to residents.
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Additional Resources
- WPDE: Florence Home Violations
- Google Search: Florence South Carolina residential care
- Post and Courier: Employee Arrest
- Google Scholar: Florence residential care
- Fits News: Systemic Neglect Scandal
- Encyclopedia Britannica: South Carolina care facilities
- WPDE: Florence Nursing Home Drug Arrest
- Google News: Florence SC elderly care issues
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.
