Violations at Above the Rest Residential Care Facility

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