COLUMBIA, S.C.: Lexington Town Council Takes Action to Protect Seniors
On a bright Monday evening in Columbia, South Carolina, the Lexington Town Council gathered for a significant meeting that addressed a matter close to the hearts of many citizens. The council members voted unanimously to support a critical resolution aimed at enhancing the safety of seniors residing in care facilities. This resolution echoes the one previously championed by Lexington County District Three’s council member, Darrell Hudson.
A Heartfelt Journey Inspired by Personal Tragedy
Council member Hudson shared the emotional story that led him to advocate for increased security measures in nursing homes and senior care facilities. He recounted a dark day back in 2019 when he lost his mother due to neglect at an assisted living facility. During a casual visit, Hudson was horrified to discover that his mother was missing. “She wasn’t in her room. Nobody knew where she was,” he explained, his voice filled with anguish. After an anxious search, he found her lying outside the facility with a serious head injury.
This distressing experience opened Hudson’s eyes to the stark reality that not all senior care facilities are equipped with adequate security measures. “To my shock, I learned the facility didn’t have any video cameras, and there were no laws requiring them in senior care environments,” he said. That eye-opening revelation fueled his determination to protect other families from experiencing the same heartbreak he endured.
The Push for Change: A Two-Year Journey
In 2020, Hudson took a stand and helped pass a resolution urging the state legislature to enact a law requiring that cameras be installed in all senior care facilities, covering each entrance and exit. Fast forward four years, and despite prior resolutions of support from various municipalities—including the City of Columbia and the Central Midlands Council of Governments—South Carolina still lacks such a law.
Lexington Joins the Fight
The town of Lexington recently added its voice to the call for action. During their meeting, council members expressed their unwavering support, happily voting to endorse the resolution to pressure the state legislature into making a change. Laurin Barnes, Communications Manager with the Town of Lexington, stated, “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 Steadfast Determination
Hudson, undeterred by the slow pace of legislative change, remains passionate about this cause. “As long as I’m breathing, I won’t give up on this legislation,” he declared, illustrating his commitment to ensuring that no other family suffers the anguish he faced.
What’s Next?
As the Lexington Town Council stands united in their support for increased accountability in senior care facilities, the community’s eyes remain locked on the state legislature. Will they finally take action to protect the most vulnerable members of society? The resolution is now in their hands, and the voices of the Lexington community are louder than ever.
For families with loved ones in senior care, messages of hope and support resonate strongly. They want to know that their relatives are safe and secure as they navigate their later years. The latest actions from Lexington’s council have ignited a renewed sense of purpose among residents, reinforcing that together, they can spark compelling change in their community.
Stay tuned for further updates as this story develops, and keep those safety conversations going because the wellbeing of our seniors matters more than words can express!
