News Summary
Lexington County Councilman Darrell Hudson has been honored as the 2024 Volunteer of the Year for his unwavering commitment to enhancing senior safety. His advocacy, inspired by a personal tragedy, has led to significant legislative efforts to ensure the installation of surveillance cameras in nursing homes. Despite ongoing challenges, including eviction notices faced by seniors at a local facility, Hudson’s determination remains a beacon of hope for improved safety and transparency in senior care.
Lexington County Councilman Honored for Making a Difference in Senior Safety
In the heart of South Carolina, Lexington County is beaming with pride as Councilman Darrell Hudson has recently been awarded the esteemed title of 2024 Volunteer of the Year by the South Carolina Councils of Governments. This recognition is not only a testament to his hard work but also highlights his heartfelt commitment to the welfare of seniors in the Midlands community.
A Passion for Protecting Seniors
Councilman Hudson wears many hats but stands out as the Chairperson of the Central Midlands Area Agency on Aging’s Regional Aging and Disability Advisory Committee (RADAC). Through this role, he has tirelessly advocated for the safety and well-being of seniors, particularly when it comes to ensuring their protection in nursing homes and senior care facilities.
His journey into advocacy started in a devastating way back in 2019 when his own mother went missing from an assisted living center. This shocking experience revealed a critical gap in safety measures; the facility had no surveillance cameras installed, nor was any state law in place to mandate their presence. Tragically, she was later found with a head injury outside the premises. Since then, Hudson has made it his mission to champion the cause of installing cameras at all entrances and exits of nursing homes and senior care facilities.
Leading Legislative Changes
In 2020, his influence led to a resolution calling for the South Carolina legislature to adopt legislation requiring these vital safety measures. Fast forward to October 2024, the Central Midlands Council of Governments (CMCOG) Board of Directors expressed their support for this initiative as well, with several municipalities jumping on the bandwagon to call for similar camera installations in their local senior care facilities. Although Hudson and his supporters continue to push for these crucial changes, the law mandating such installations across the state has yet to be passed.
A Need for Safety and Transparency
Hudson’s dedication to this cause emphasizes a fundamental need for safer and more transparent environments for vulnerable seniors in assisted living situations. It’s clear that the journey is far from over, yet his relentless pursuit of advocacy has already made significant waves in enhancing senior safety.
Concerns and Challenges for Seniors
While Councilman Hudson works on improving the conditions for seniors, there are growing concerns about recent issues faced by some in the community. At Jenni Lynn Assisted Living in West Columbia, seniors were thrown into disarray after receiving sudden 30-day eviction notices. Following the sale of the facility in January, management notified residents that they had to vacate by February 7. However, due to growing public attention, some of these residents were granted an extended deadline of February 28.
The abrupt nature of these relocations left many seniors scrambling to find alternative housing. Among them was Paul Bornemann, a 73-year-old veteran who expressed his anxiety regarding the unexpected changes. A former employee of the facility also noted that many of the residents had formed strong bonds, and the sudden notice disrupted their lives and the close relationships they had built.
The management company, Premier Senior Living, promised assistance to help seniors transition into new homes, but specific plans for support remained unclear.
New Horizons for Lexington’s Seniors
On a brighter note, the city of Lexington is embarking on an exciting project aimed at enhancing the quality of life for seniors. Plans are in motion to construct a state-of-the-art $25 million senior and therapeutic recreation center. This facility will span over 26,000 square feet and is designed to offer an abundance of group exercise space and improved amenities catering specifically to senior programs.
Scheduled to begin construction in November 2025 and set for completion by May 2026, the new center located at Shillito Park was strategically chosen for its accessibility, ensuring that seniors in the community can easily benefit from the programs and activities offered.
With initiatives like Hudson’s advocacy for safety in assisted living and the upcoming recreation center, Lexington County is making significant strides toward creating a supportive environment for its senior population.
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Additional Resources
- WIS TV: Clock Ticking for Remaining Seniors in West Columbia Nursing Home
- Wikipedia: Senior Care
- Kentucky.com: Local News on Senior Care
- Google Search: Senior Safety Advocacy
- WLTX: Supporting Vulnerable Seniors in South Carolina
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Elderly Care
- WACH: Valentine’s Day Cheer for Seniors
- Google News: Senior Community Center Lexington
