COLUMBIA, S.C. — Town Council Takes Bold Steps for Senior Safety
On a warm Monday evening, the Lexington Town Council convened to discuss pressing issues that hit home for many families in the community. The spotlight was on a resolution aimed at ensuring the safety of seniors, which has become a personal and poignant cause for council member Darrell Hudson.
A Personal Tragedy Sparks Change
Darrell Hudson’s journey into this important advocacy started with heartbreak. In 2019, during a seemingly ordinary visit to his mother’s assisted living facility in Lexington County, he faced a chilling reality: his mother was missing. “She wasn’t in her room. Nobody knew where she was,” he recalled, still emotional over the traumatic experience. Ultimately, his mother was found outside the facility with a serious head injury, and Hudson soon learned that there were no video cameras in the facility to provide any answers about what had happened to her.
Feeling devastated and determined, Hudson discovered a glaring gap in South Carolina’s regulations—there were no laws requiring nursing homes and other senior care facilities to have security cameras installed. Inspired by his mother’s tragic ordeal, he took to the Council and pushed for a resolution in 2020 that called on the state legislature to step up and make some much-needed changes.
The Legislative Fight Continues
Fast forward to 2023, and despite the persistent efforts from Hudson and other concerned groups, South Carolina still lacks a law mandating security cameras in senior care facilities. A number of municipalities, including the City of Columbia and the Central Midlands Council of Governments, have thrown their support behind this crucial effort, but the state legislature has yet to take meaningful action.
During the recent council meeting, Lexington officially joined the movement, voting unanimously in favor of another resolution that urges the state legislature to act. “When there’s an issue, we want to support the Central Midlands COG and getting the legislature’s support for it,” said Laurin Barnes, the Communications Manager with the Town of Lexington. “And so, we’re on-board with getting them what they need to make this happen.”
A Rallying Call for Families
Hudson remains undeterred. His passion for this cause is palpable as he vows, “As long as I’m breathing, I won’t give up on this legislation.” The commitment of council members, families, and advocates like Hudson signifies a movement that is far from over. It’s a rallying cry from a community that values its seniors and is dedicated to safeguarding their well-being.
The Lexington Town Council’s decision not only casts a spotlight on a critical issue but also offers hope to families who want to ensure that their loved ones are protected in care facilities. As the council continues its work, it stands united in its mission to push for changes that will ultimately lead to safer environments for seniors across South Carolina.
Moving Forward Together
As conversations continue around the need for legislation, it’s important for families and community members to raise their voices as well. Engaging with local representatives, sharing stories, and raising awareness can help catalyze changes in the law for the betterment of all.
In a world where our most vulnerable need extra protection, the Lexington Town Council is making significant strides, keeping the focus on *what truly matters*. This is a story of loss, determination, and hope, and it exemplifies how a community can come together to effect positive change. Stay tuned to this ongoing story as it develops, and remember: when it comes to care for our seniors, every voice matters.
