COLUMBIA, S.C. — Monday, the Lexington Town Council met to discuss a variety of issues, including adding their support to a resolution to keep seniors safe.
The resolution is similar to one passed by Lexington County District Three council member Darrell Hudson. He recalled what inspired him to seek new legislation from the state, requiring nursing homes and other senior care facilities to have cameras installed covering all entrances and exits.
“This came to light to me when I lost my mom from neglect at an elderly care facility,” Hudson said.
During a routine visit to his mother’s assisted living facility in Lexington County in 2019, he discovered that his mother was missing.
“She wasn’t in her room. Nobody knew where she was," Hudson explained.
His mother was eventually found lying outside the facility with a head injury. During his search for answers, Hudson learned the facility did not have video cameras. He later learned there were no laws requiring senior care facilities to have interior security cameras.
In 2020, Hudson helped pass a resolution calling on the state legislature to pass a bill requiring the cameras.
Fast forward four years, and South Carolina still does not have a law requiring those cameras, despite additional resolutions of support from a list of municipalities, like the City of Columbia and the Central Midlands Council of Governments.
Monday evening, the town of Lexington added their name to that list. The town council voted unanimously to support a resolution again calling on the state legislature to act.
Laurin Barnes., Communications Manager with the Town of Lexington said councilmembers gladly offered their support.
“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," Barnes said.
Hudson says he won’t give up.
“As long as I’m breathing, I won’t give up on this legislation.”