Heritage Post Acute Abuse and Neglect Lawyers

If you have concerns about a loved one’s care at Heritage Post Acute in Florence, South Carolina, you’re right to look into it. Federal inspection records for this facility show documented deficiencies, including citations related to infection control, medication management, and nutrition. The facility also reports nursing staff turnover well above the state average. When a nursing home falls short of the care residents are entitled to, families deserve clear answers and real options.

Jordan Law Center represents families across Florence, Florence County, and throughout South Carolina in nursing home abuse and neglect cases. Our attorneys are experienced in reviewing facility records, analyzing federal inspection data, and holding nursing homes accountable when care standards aren’t met. If you have questions about a loved one’s care, call 864-808-1810 for a free consultation. You don’t pay us unless we recover compensation for you.

About Heritage Post Acute In Florence

Heritage Post Acute, registered with CMS as Heritage Home of Florence Inc., is a nursing home located in Florence, South Carolina. The facility participates in Medicare and Medicaid and is subject to regular inspections by federal and state surveyors to ensure compliance with federal standards requiring facilities to “establish and maintain an infection control program designed to provide a safe, sanitary, and comfortable environment.”

Facility Information:

– Address: 515 South Warley Street, Florence, SC 29501

– Phone: (843) 662-4573

– CMS Provider Number: #425154

– Capacity: 132 certified beds

– Ownership: Not publicly listed

Recent inspection data shows 15 deficiencies and $23,912 in fines. The facility also reports a nursing staff turnover rate of 63.3%, compared to a South Carolina state average of 47%. High turnover can affect continuity of care, as new staff members may be less familiar with individual residents’ medical conditions, care plans, and daily needs.

What Federal Inspectors Found At Heritage Post Acute

Federal and state inspectors conduct regular surveys of nursing homes participating in Medicare and Medicaid programs. States carry out the survey process through agreements with the Secretary of Health and Human Services, including unannounced, on-site inspections of nursing homes. When inspectors identify areas of non-compliance, they issue deficiency citations categorized by type and severity. The HHS Secretary is authorized to impose remedies for deficiencies found during surveys, including civil monetary penalties.

Heritage Post Acute has received 15 deficiencies and $23,912 in fines. The following are among the documented citations.

Infection control (Tag F0880, October 10, 2024)

Inspectors cited Heritage Post Acute for a D-level deficiency related to infection control. Federal law requires nursing facilities to maintain an infection control program designed to provide a safe, sanitary environment and help prevent the development and transmission of disease and infection. Under 42 CFR § 483.80, the facility’s designated infection preventionist must have professional training in nursing, medical technology, microbiology, epidemiology, or a related field, and must serve on the facility’s quality assessment and assurance committee.

A D-level citation indicates an isolated instance of non-compliance with the potential for more than minimal harm, but does not necessarily mean actual harm occurred.

Pharmacy labeling and storage (Tag F0761, October 10, 2024)

The facility received a D-level citation under Tag F0761, which relates to pharmacy services requirements under 42 CFR § 483.45. Federal law requires nursing facilities to ensure drugs and biologicals are properly labeled and stored. Improper labeling or storage of medications can create risks for residents, including the possibility of medication errors or exposure to improperly stored drugs.

Nutrition and dietary needs (Tag F0800, October 10, 2024)

Inspectors cited the facility under Tag F0800 for a D-level deficiency related to nutrition and dietary services. Under 42 CFR § 483.60, a facility must provide sufficient support personnel to safely and effectively carry out the functions of the food and nutrition service. Nursing homes are required to provide each resident with a diet that meets their individual nutritional needs. Proper nutrition is essential for residents’ health, wound healing, and overall well-being.

Food accommodations (Tag F0806, January 6, 2023)

Heritage Post Acute received a D-level deficiency under Tag F0806, also related to food and nutrition services under 42 CFR § 483.60. This tag addresses the facility’s obligation to provide food accommodations based on individual resident needs and preferences. Federal regulations state a facility may not charge for special foods and meals ordered by a resident’s physician, and must take into consideration residents’ needs, preferences, and the cultural and religious make-up of the facility’s population. This citation, from January 2023, predates the October 2024 inspection findings listed above.

Staff turnover and its impact on care

Heritage Post Acute reports a nursing staff turnover rate of 63.3%, which is significantly higher than the South Carolina state average of 47%. Federal regulations require facilities to electronically submit to CMS complete and accurate direct care staffing information, including information on staff turnover, tenure, and hours of care provided by each category of staff per resident per day.

Consistent staffing helps ensure caregivers are familiar with each resident’s individual care plan, medication schedule, and personal preferences. When staff turnover is high, there’s a greater chance new or unfamiliar caregivers may miss changes in a resident’s condition or fail to follow established care routines.

How Facilities Hide Abuse And Neglect

Nursing home abuse and neglect don’t always leave obvious signs. Families may visit regularly and still miss indicators that their loved one isn’t receiving proper care. Understanding what to look for can help you make informed decisions.

Physical abuse

Under South Carolina law (S.C. Code Ann. § 43-35-10(8)), physical abuse is defined as “intentionally inflicting or allowing to be inflicted physical injury on a vulnerable adult by an act or failure to act.” Physical abuse includes, but is not limited to, slapping, hitting, kicking, biting, choking, pinching, burning, use of medication outside reasonable medical standards for the purpose of controlling behavior, and unreasonable confinement.

Warning signs of physical abuse may include:

– Unexplained bruises, cuts, or welts, particularly in various stages of healing.

– Broken bones or sprains without a clear explanation.

– Marks from restraints on wrists or ankles.

– A resident who flinches at sudden movements or appears fearful around certain staff members.

– Injuries that staff cannot explain or that have conflicting explanations.

If you notice these signs, document what you see (including photos, if possible) and report your concerns to the appropriate authorities.

Neglect

Neglect occurs when a facility fails to provide the care and services necessary to maintain a resident’s health and safety. Under South Carolina law (S.C. Code Ann. § 43-35-10(6)), neglect means “the failure or omission of a caregiver to provide the care, goods, or services necessary to maintain the health or safety of a vulnerable adult including, but not limited to, food, clothing, medicine, shelter, supervision, and medical services.”

Warning signs of neglect may include:

– Unexplained weight loss or signs of dehydration.

– Poor hygiene, including unchanged clothing or soiled bedding.

– Untreated bedsores (pressure ulcers) or worsening wounds.

– Medication errors or missed doses.

– Unsanitary living conditions.

– Frequent infections, including urinary tract infections.

– A resident left in the same position for extended periods.

Neglect can be especially difficult to detect because it often develops gradually. Regular visits at different times of day can help families observe whether their loved one is receiving consistent care.

Emotional and psychological abuse

Emotional abuse involves behavior intended to cause mental anguish, fear, or distress. South Carolina law (S.C. Code Ann. § 43-35-10(10)) defines psychological abuse as “deliberately subjecting a vulnerable adult to threats or harassment or other forms of intimidating behavior causing fear, humiliation, degradation, agitation, confusion, or other forms of serious emotional distress.”

Warning signs of emotional abuse may include:

– A sudden change in behavior, such as withdrawal, agitation, or depression.

– Fear or anxiety around particular staff members.

– Reluctance to speak openly when staff are present.

– Unexplained changes in sleeping or eating patterns.

– A resident appearing emotionally flat or unresponsive.

Emotional abuse often leaves no physical marks, making it harder to identify. Pay attention to shifts in your loved one’s mood or demeanor, particularly around specific caregivers.

How To Report Abuse And File Complaints In South Carolina

If you have concerns about a loved one’s care in a nursing home in Florence or anywhere in South Carolina, several agencies can help. Reporting creates an official record and may trigger an investigation into the facility.

Step 1: If there’s immediate danger, call 911

If you believe your loved one is in immediate physical danger, call 911 first. You can also remove your loved one from the facility if their safety is at risk.

Step 2: Report to the South Carolina Long Term Care Ombudsman

Under S.C. Code Ann. § 43-35-25, reports for incidents occurring in nursing facilities should be made to the Long Term Care Ombudsman Program. The Long Term Care Ombudsman Program is authorized to investigate any problem or complaint on behalf of any interested party or any resident of a facility.

– Phone: 1-800-868-9505

Mandatory reporters must report the incident within 24 hours or the next working day. However, even if you aren’t a mandatory reporter, any person who has reason to believe a vulnerable adult has been or may be abused, neglected, or exploited may report the incident.

Step 3: Report to DHEC

The South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) is responsible for licensing and inspecting nursing homes in the state. You can file a complaint about facility conditions, care quality, or safety concerns through DHEC’s healthcare facility licensing division.

Step 4: File a complaint with Medicare

If the facility participates in Medicare (Heritage Post Acute does, under CMS Provider Number #425154), you can file a complaint directly with Medicare.

– Phone: 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227)

– Online: medicare.gov/care-compare

Federal regulations require facilities to provide residents with contact information for all pertinent State regulatory and informational agencies, including a statement that the resident may file a complaint with the State Survey Agency concerning any suspected violation of nursing facility regulations.

Step 5: Contact an attorney

Filing complaints with regulatory agencies can help address facility conditions, but the regulatory process doesn’t compensate your family for harm your loved one has suffered. If you believe negligence or abuse caused injury, speaking with an attorney can help you understand your legal options.

Call Jordan Law Center at 864-808-1810 for a free consultation. We can review your situation and explain what steps may be appropriate.

Why Families Choose Jordan Law Center

Jordan Law Center represents families throughout Florence, Florence County, and South Carolina in nursing home abuse and neglect cases. Our attorneys take a hands-on, methodical approach to these claims, reviewing facility records, federal inspection data, and medical documentation to build a clear picture of what happened and who is responsible.

Here’s what families can expect when they work with us.

– A thorough review of CMS inspection reports and deficiency history.

– Careful analysis of medical records and care plans.

– A clear explanation of your legal options during a free initial consultation.

– Contingency fee representation, which means you don’t pay us anything unless we recover compensation for you.

We understand that concerns about a loved one’s care are personal. Our goal is to give you the information you need to make informed decisions about next steps.

Jordan Law Center is located at 622 Wade Hampton Boulevard, Greenville, SC 29609, and serves clients throughout South Carolina, including Florence and the surrounding areas. Call 864-808-1810 for a free consultation.

What Compensation Is Available In A Nursing Home Abuse Case

If your loved one was harmed due to abuse or neglect in a nursing home, South Carolina law may allow your family to pursue compensation through a civil lawsuit. The types of damages available may include:

– Medical expenses: Costs for treating injuries caused by abuse or neglect, including hospital stays, surgeries, medications, and rehabilitation.

– Pain and suffering: Compensation for physical pain and emotional distress experienced by your loved one.

– Loss of quality of life: Damages for the diminished quality of life your loved one has experienced as a result of the facility’s conduct.

– Wrongful death: If abuse or neglect contributed to a loved one’s death, surviving family members may be able to bring a wrongful death action under S.C. Code Ann. § 15-51-10.

In cases in which the nursing home’s conduct was found to be especially reckless or malicious, a court may also award punitive damages, which are meant to punish the facility and deter similar behavior in the future.

Every case is different, and the amount of compensation depends on the specific facts and circumstances involved. South Carolina’s statute of limitations under S.C. Code Ann. § 15-3-530(5) generally provides three years for personal injury claims, including actions for “any injury to the person or rights of another.” However, deadlines can vary depending on the circumstances, so it’s important to speak with an attorney promptly.

Past results do not guarantee future outcomes. Every case depends on its unique facts and legal circumstances.

Call 864-808-1810 to discuss your situation with Jordan Law Center. The consultation is free, and there’s no obligation.

Frequently Asked Questions About Heritage Post Acute Abuse And Neglect

What should I do if I suspect my loved one is being neglected at Heritage Post Acute?

Document what you observe, including photos of injuries, living conditions, and notes about your loved one’s physical and emotional state. Report your concerns to the South Carolina Long Term Care Ombudsman at 1-800-868-9505. You may also want to consult with an attorney to understand your legal options. Call Jordan Law Center at 864-808-1810 for a free consultation.

What are the deficiency citations at Heritage Post Acute?

Federal inspection records show 15 deficiencies and $23,912 in fines. Documented citations include deficiencies related to infection control (Tag F0880), pharmacy labeling and storage (Tag F0761), nutrition and dietary needs (Tag F0800), and food accommodations (Tag F0806). These citations were issued during inspections in October 2024 and January 2023.

What does a D-level deficiency mean?

In the CMS deficiency classification system, a D-level citation indicates an isolated instance of non-compliance that has the potential for more than minimal harm but has not necessarily caused actual harm to a resident. While it’s on the lower end of the severity scale, it still reflects a failure to meet federal care standards.

Is the high nursing staff turnover at Heritage Post Acute a concern?

Heritage Post Acute reports a 63.3% nursing staff turnover rate, compared to a 47% state average. Frequent staff changes can affect the consistency and quality of care, since newer staff may be less familiar with individual residents’ medical conditions, care plans, and personal needs.

How long do I have to file a nursing home abuse claim in South Carolina?

S.C. Code Ann. § 15-3-530(5) provides a three-year statute of limitations for personal injury claims, including actions for “any injury to the person or rights of another.” However, different deadlines may apply depending on the specific circumstances of your case. Speak with an attorney promptly to protect your rights.

How much does it cost to hire a nursing home abuse attorney?

Jordan Law Center works on a contingency fee basis. That means you don’t pay us anything unless we recover compensation for you. Your initial consultation is completely free, and there’s no obligation to hire us.

Can I sue a nursing home in South Carolina?

Yes. If your loved one was harmed due to abuse or neglect, you may be able to file a civil lawsuit against the facility. Potential claims can be based on negligence, breach of the standard of care, or violations of South Carolina’s adult protection laws. An attorney can review your specific situation and advise you on the best approach.

What is the Long Term Care Ombudsman?

The South Carolina Long Term Care Ombudsman Program is authorized to investigate any problem or complaint on behalf of any interested party or any resident of a nursing home or other long-term care facility. You can reach the Ombudsman at 1-800-868-9505.

What if my loved one passed away due to nursing home neglect?

If neglect or abuse contributed to your loved one’s death, surviving family members may be able to file a wrongful death claim under South Carolina law (S.C. Code Ann. § 15-51-10). Wrongful death cases have their own legal requirements and timelines. Call Jordan Law Center at 864-808-1810 to discuss your situation.

Can I move my loved one to a different facility while pursuing a claim?

Yes. Your loved one’s safety comes first. You can transfer them to another facility at any time, and doing so doesn’t affect your ability to pursue a legal claim. If there are active concerns about their care, relocating them may be the most important step you take.

Talk To An Attorney About Your Concerns

If you have concerns about a loved one’s care at Heritage Post Acute in Florence, Jordan Law Center is here to help. Our attorneys can review federal inspection records, medical documentation, and facility history to help you understand what happened and what options may be available to your family.

Your consultation is free, and you pay nothing unless we recover compensation. Call 864-808-1810 today to speak with our team. Jordan Law Center serves families in Florence, Florence County, and throughout South Carolina from our office at 622 Wade Hampton Boulevard, Greenville, SC 29609.

Sources Cited

– CMS Care Compare: Heritage Home of Florence Inc. (CMS Provider Number #425154)

– 42 CFR § 483.45 (Pharmacy services)

– 42 CFR § 483.60 (Food and nutrition services)

– 42 CFR § 483.80 (Infection control)

– 42 CFR § 483.70 (Administration, staffing data)

– S.C. Code Ann. § 15-3-530 (Statute of limitations)

– S.C. Code Ann. § 43-35-10 (Definitions, Adult Protection)

– S.C. Code Ann. § 43-35-25 (Mandatory reporting requirements)

– S.C. Code Ann. § 43-38-20 (Long Term Care Ombudsman Program)

– S.C. Code Ann. § 15-51-10 (Wrongful death)