COLUMBIA, S.C. — A Heartfelt Push for Senior Safety!
This Monday, the Lexington Town Council gathered for a significant meeting where a crucial issue took center stage: the safety of our beloved seniors. The council members united to discuss a resolution aimed at keeping seniors safe in care facilities, echoing sentiments expressed by Lexington County District Three council member Darrell Hudson.
A Personal Journey Sparks Change
Hudson’s dedication to this cause springs from a deeply personal and heartbreaking experience. Reflecting on his journey, he revealed, “This came to light to me when I lost my mom from neglect at an elderly care facility.” Imagine visiting your loved one, only to find them missing! That’s precisely what Hudson faced during a routine visit to his mother’s assisted living facility back in 2019. His worry heightened when he discovered that “nobody knew where she was.”
Shocking Discovery
After a frantic search, Hudson eventually found his mother outside the facility with a serious head injury. This nightmare only intensified as he later uncovered that the facility lacked any security cameras, raising eyebrows about accountability in senior care. To top it off, he discovered that there were no laws requiring senior care facilities to install interior security cameras.
Legislative Battle for Change
In response to this shocking experience, Hudson championed a resolution in 2020, urging the state legislature to enforce new laws requiring security cameras in care facilities. Fast forward to today, and despite significant support from municipalities like the City of Columbia and the Central Midlands Council of Governments, South Carolina still lacks legal mandates for these essential security measures.
Lexington Council Joins the Fight
But here’s the good news! The town of Lexington is standing strong in solidarity. During their recent meeting, the council voted unanimously to add their support to the ongoing resolution, urging the state legislature to take action. Laurin Barnes, Communications Manager for Lexington, shared, “When there’s an issue, we want to support the Central Midlands COG and getting the legislature’s support for it. And so, we’re on-board with getting them what they need to make this happen.”
A Fight for Justice
Even with the difficulties faced over four long years, Hudson remains relentless in his pursuit to see this legislation passed. With a fiery determination, he declared, “As long as I’m breathing, I won’t give up on this legislation.” His unwavering commitment highlights the urgent need for change in the way we protect our senior citizens in care facilities.
Why This Matters
It’s more than just a legal requirement; it’s about ensuring the safety and well-being of our vulnerable populations. The lack of security cameras in elderly care can lead to devastating incidents of neglect and abuse that often go unnoticed. With each resolution and each vote, communities like Lexington are sending a clear message: our seniors deserve protection, dignity, and respect.
As the Lexington Town Council continues to push for this critical change, it shines a spotlight not only on the need for legislation but also on the voices that matter most—the families of those receiving care. Let’s hope South Carolina takes heed, protecting the seniors who have given so much to our communities.
Looking Forward
The journey towards safer care facilities continues, and Lexington has made its stance clear. As they join hands with other local governments in this heartfelt mission, could this be the turning point we’ve all been waiting for? Fingers crossed that the state legislature listens, and we see meaningful progress soon!
