Moving a loved one into a nursing home can be a bittersweet experience, but when seniors can’t care for themselves anymore, it is often necessary to provide them with the care and stability they need. While the transition may be overwhelming at first, many adult children find peace once their mom, dad, or loved one is being cared for properly. However, it's important to be aware that not all nursing homes meet the advertised standard of care. Abuse and neglect do indeed occur in South Carolina. These are horrible crimes that leave the affected family feeling helpless and hopeless, having to see their elderly loved one suffer for no reason at all.
If someone you know or love is being mistreated at a nursing home, the office of Lauren Taylor Law can help you pursue justice and take legal action to the fullest extent. Your nursing home abuse attorney Near Me Myrtle Beach, SC, helps with every aspect of your case, from investigative measures and medical record management to trial litigation and general consultation.
Nursing home abuse is a distressing and troublesome issue that has plagued our nation. The maltreatment of vulnerable elders is all too prevalent in the United States, with approximately one in three nursing homes exhibiting instances of elderly abuse. Elderly residents may be subjected to a range of serious violations, from physical abuse and neglect to sexual assault. Such mistreatment can result in emotional, physical, and financial harm to residents.
If you suspect that your elderly loved one has suffered abuse in a nursing home, seeking the guidance of a trustworthy lawyer during this difficult time is the best thing you can do. In fact, consulting with a nursing home abuse lawyer is the first step toward justice and compensation. At Lauren Taylor Law, we're passionate about providing professional legal services for families and individuals going through tragic events like nursing home crimes. Those who inflict such harm and abuse on an innocent person should be held accountable, and that's where our team comes in to help.
When you work with a Nursing Home Neglect Attorney Near Me Myrtle Beach, SC, from Lauren Taylor Law, you can rest easy knowing they provide
When visiting a nursing home to see an elderly loved one, it is of utmost importance to remain vigilant in detecting any potential signs of abuse or neglect. Due to the subtle nature of such mistreatment, it may not be immediately apparent at first. That's why it's so crucial to maintain a watchful eye and report any suspicions of abuse or neglect as soon as possible to ensure the safety and well-being of your loved one.
It's safe to say if you or your family have a loved one in a nursing home, it's uncomfortable to think about them being neglected or abused. Nobody wants to think about their grandma or grandpa suffering or going through pain, especially if it's on purpose. The thought of a person willfully harming one of your closest relatives isn't easy to process, but it's important to know the disconcerting signs of elder abuse in nursing homes.
Unfortunately, nursing home abuse may not always be blatant, but there are certain indicators that can potentially prevent dire consequences. It's crucial to remain vigilant in observing any concerning behavior or physical signs in order to protect your loved one. That way, you can take action immediately to prevent further crimes.
If you notice any of the following signs, contact Lauren Taylor Law as soon as possible
While one in ten seniors suffer some form of nursing home abuse every year, according to the NIA, the signs are often underreported, and criminals go unpunished. But with a nursing home abuse attorney Near Me Myrtle Beach, SC, you have the opportunity to achieve justice, compensation, and closure, knowing your loved one is safe.
At Lauren Taylor Law, one of the most common questions we receive relating to nursing home crimes is how to report the abuse and neglect that is happening. If you suspect that a family member or loved one is suffering from abuse, keep these steps in mind.
In cases where it is deemed necessary to seek immediate medical attention for a loved one or report a crime in progress, it is advised that emergency services be contacted without delay. It is important to prioritize the safety of the individual in question above all else. It may come to your attention that staff at the nursing home are attempting to dissuade you from making such a call, citing the need for a doctor's orders or other institutional policies.
It must be noted that as a concerned family member, you are well within your rights to take the necessary steps to ensure the well-being of your loved one, without the need for prior permission or oversight. It is imperative that you act in accordance with this knowledge and disregard any attempts to obstruct the prompt seeking of assistance.
It is important to note that not all instances of nursing home abuse warrant immediate emergency intervention. As each resident and situation is unique, it is crucial to exercise discretion and sound judgment. In the event that a police presence or medical care is not immediately required, it is highly advisable to seek the counsel of a skilled South Carolina nursing home abuse attorney.
It's worth noting that many elder abuse law firms in South Carolina - like Lauren Taylor Law - are available at all hours, including holidays and weekends. It is a well-known fact that abuse is often uncovered outside of normal business hours, as these are the times when most individuals visit their loved ones.
The bottom line? Call a nursing home abuse lawyer as soon as you can before the nursing home staff can conceal evidence of abuse. As time passes, evidence naturally degrades. As such, the sooner your legal team can document any injuries through photographs and videos and speak with any witnesses, the stronger your case will be.
In the state of South Carolina, it is important to report any instances of abuse, neglect, or exploitation that occur in nursing homes to the Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program (LTCOP), overseen by the Department on Aging. Consulting with your attorney can help determine whether you should contact LTCOP directly or have your attorney do so on your behalf.
You may find that moving your loved one to a new nursing home is needed for their health and best interests. If that's the case, be sure that you and your senior loved one are confident in and comfortable with the facility and its staff.
If you decide that a transfer must happen, you should know that nursing homes in South Carolina can't discharge residents just because there are claims of neglect or abuse. A nursing home resident in South Carolina can only be discharged when:
You should also know that discharge notices must often be provided in written form, with a customary 30-day notice period. However, there may be circumstances that warrant a shorter notice period, such as when the resident poses a threat to the safety of other residents. Remember - engaging the services of a nursing home abuse lawyer Near Me Myrtle Beach, SC, may prevent an illegal discharge and provide support if there are retaliatory measures taken by the nursing home.
Recognizing the signs of elder abuse can be crucial in protecting your loved ones. Unfortunately, each case of elder abuse can manifest differently, and it is not uncommon for seniors to experience multiple types of abuse. Thus, it is important to be aware of the warning signs of each type of abuse and take action if necessary.
Here are some of the most common types of abuse to report to the authorities and your nursing home lawyer
Although there may be no visible signs you can see with your eyes, like cuts or bruises, emotional abuse can bring about significant harm to an elderly individual's well-being. Emotional abuse can manifest in various forms, such as screaming, threatening, or inducing fear in a senior loved one. As a senior transitions into the care of another individual, family members must observe their emotional welfare. If the senior's happiness and general disposition deteriorate in a concerning manner, emotional abuse may be the underlying cause.
Some signs to look out for include the following
In many ways, physical abuse is the most blatant type of nursing home crime in South Carolina. Loved ones and family members should try to keep an eye on older friends and family and use their best judgment when it comes to physical injuries. Often, nursing home staff and caregivers lie, saying that something else caused the physical injuries to cover up abuse.
Consider this example: Your grandmother comes to you with bruised arms and cuts on her legs. The nursing home attendant said that she cut herself with a coat hanger, but you know that to be unlikely based on your loved one's demeanor and personality. Later, it comes to light that the staff member did indeed abuse your grandmother and has been sentenced to decades of prison time. Examples like this do happen in everyday life, and as such, you should trust your intellect and gut when it comes to physical nursing home abuse in South Carolina.
Some signs to look out for include the following
When a senior has mental or physical impairments that prevent them from consenting to sexual relations, the ramifications of sexual abuse can be particularly severe with regard to their physical and emotional well-being. Understandably, loved ones and family members are often profoundly impacted by instances of elderly sexual misconduct. It is incumbent upon family members to address any potential cases of sexual abuse quickly to safeguard the welfare of their senior loved one. If you believe sexual abuse is occurring, contact authorities in South Carolina first. Then, contact a nursing home abuse attorney Near Me Myrtle Beach, SC.
Some signs to look out for include the following
In contrast to other forms of maltreatment, financial exploitation can be surreptitious in nature, given that the well-being of the elderly individual's physical and psychological faculties may not be directly impacted. Nevertheless, financial abuse can result in a situation where the elderly victim is unable to afford even the most rudimentary medical treatment. As such, it's important that seniors in nursing homes have a reliable person who can act as a watch dog to scrutinize the senior's accounts and raise any red flags with regard to suspicious transactions. In the event that the elderly individual is unable to account for a loss of funds, it may indicate that they're a victim of nursing home financial abuse.
Some signs to look out for include the following
While there are many similarities between nursing home abuse and nursing home neglect, the latter is usually the result of a lack of care rather than intentional harm. With that said, nursing home neglect can be just as traumatizing and harmful to the health of the senior in your life. That's especially true when health issues stemming from neglect carry on for months or even years.
If you notice any of the following signs when visiting your loved one, it could be time to speak with a knowledgeable nursing home neglect attorney Near Me Myrtle Beach, SC:
If you suspect that the elderly relative in your life has been or is currently the victim of nursing home abuse or neglect, it’s time to act fast. Don’t brush off any gut feelings when it comes to your parents or grandparents – those red flags are most likely clear for a reason. Because the truth is, elderly abuse and neglect victims in nursing homes often feel powerless to speak up for themselves. They may fear retaliation from staff or be unable to take legal action due to cognitive impairments. Lauren Taylor Law offers a way for these individuals to regain their voices and seek the protection and justice they deserve. Call our law office today to learn more about nursing home abuse, neglect, and how our nursing home abuse attorneys can help with both civil and criminal litigation.
We’ve reached the semifinals of the 2025 S.C. High School League football playoffs. The winners of the games below advance to next week’s state championship games.Class 5A Division IUpper StateDutch Fork 30, Dorman 10Lower StateSummerville 45, James Island 16Next week: State championship gameSummerville vs. Dutch Fork, 7:36 p.m. Saturday (Dec. 6)Class 5A Division IIUpper StateNorthwestern 51, Indian Land 19Lower State...
We’ve reached the semifinals of the 2025 S.C. High School League football playoffs. The winners of the games below advance to next week’s state championship games.
Upper State
Dutch Fork 30, Dorman 10
Lower State
Summerville 45, James Island 16
Next week: State championship game
Summerville vs. Dutch Fork, 7:36 p.m. Saturday (Dec. 6)
Upper State
Northwestern 51, Indian Land 19
Lower State
Irmo 44, Berkeley 6
Next week: State championship game
Irmo vs. Northwestern, 7:36 p.m. Friday (Dec. 5)
Upper State
South Pointe 40, Westside 0
Lower State
South Florence 55, Gray Collegiate 14
Next week: State championship game
South Florence vs. South Pointe, 12:06 p.m. Saturday (Dec. 6)
Upper State
Belton-Honea Path 35, Powdersville 7
Lower State
Oceanside Collegiate 38, Loris 7
Next week: State championship game
Oceanside Collegiate vs. Belton-Honea Path, 12:06 p.m. Friday (Dec. 5)
Upper State
Strom Thurmond 15, Fairfield Central 13
Lower State
Hampton County 43, Central 22
Next week: State championship game
Hampton County vs. Strom Thurmond, 4:06 p.m. Saturday (Dec. 6)
Upper State
Lamar 48, Lewisville 27
Lower State
Bamberg-Ehrhardt 29, Cross 26
Next week: State championship game
Bamberg-Ehrhardt vs. Lamar, 4:06 p.m. Friday (Dec. 5)
A beloved East Coast convenience store and popular fast food burger chain are set to open new North Carolina locations less than a mile from Horry County.They will join two other major retail chains that also announced new stores in the same area.Philadelphia-based store chain Wawa and Freddy’s Frozen Custard and Steakburgers are building new locations in Carolina Shores, North Carolina, near Calabash.Wawa has spread across the East Coast with more than 1,100 stores. Currently, the Wawa store nearest the Grand Stra...
A beloved East Coast convenience store and popular fast food burger chain are set to open new North Carolina locations less than a mile from Horry County.
They will join two other major retail chains that also announced new stores in the same area.
Philadelphia-based store chain Wawa and Freddy’s Frozen Custard and Steakburgers are building new locations in Carolina Shores, North Carolina, near Calabash.
Wawa has spread across the East Coast with more than 1,100 stores. Currently, the Wawa store nearest the Grand Strand is in Lumberton, about 90 miles away from Myrtle Beach.
But the planned Carolina Shores location will be less than 30 miles from Myrtle Beach, just over the North Carolina state line.
Publix announced in 2023 a new location opening on the northwest coroner of Calabash Road and Highway 17, The Sun News previously reported. A new Walmart also will be built in the same area. Construction has already begun for those stores.
The Brunswick Planning Department approved site plans to build a Wawa and Freddy’s in September, according to the Wilmington StarNews.
Although there are no plans to expand into South Carolina, the Calabash-area Wawa isn’t the only new location opening closer to Horry County. Over the summer, Wawa broke ground on a new store at South 17th St. and Wellington Avenue in Wilmington.
While there are Freddy’s restaurants in the Palmetto State, the closest location is out in Florence. Like the name suggests, the vintage-inspired chain is known for its frozen treats and hamburgers.
However, there are currently at least two Freddy’s that are planned for the Myrtle Beach area, The Sun News previously reported. One will be along S.C. 544 and the other along U.S. 501.
Wawa sells a variety of snacks and drinks, but devotees especially love the coffee and sandwiches. Other prepared food options include soups, salads and pizzas.
While opening dates haven’t yet been announced, fans will have to wait a while to visit. The Sun News has reached out to Wawa and Freddy’s Frozen Custard and Steakburgers for comment.
The Myrtle Beach area has seen several renovations and closures of its golf courses over the last few years.However, it still remains one of the top golf destinations in the country with more than 90 courses across the Grand Strand.Many of those courses were named among Golf Digest’s “America’s 100 Greatest Public Courses.” The golf magazine also named its top 25 Myrtle Beach courses, both private and public, to play.While the magazine listed courses outside Myrtle Beach, such as in Pawleys Island...
The Myrtle Beach area has seen several renovations and closures of its golf courses over the last few years.
However, it still remains one of the top golf destinations in the country with more than 90 courses across the Grand Strand.
Many of those courses were named among Golf Digest’s “America’s 100 Greatest Public Courses.” The golf magazine also named its top 25 Myrtle Beach courses, both private and public, to play.
While the magazine listed courses outside Myrtle Beach, such as in Pawleys Island and Sunset Beach in North Carolina, we focused on the ones located in Horry County.
The private course at 9000 N. Ocean Blvd. in Myrtle Beach has oceanside dunes and was built in the 1940s. It was the only one to make Golf Digest’s top 100 courses, coming in at No. 79. It also made the magazine’s top 25 Myrtle Beach course list.
It’s dotted with lagoons, which pose a dangerous problem of alligators for golfers, especially on the 11th through 13th holes that is dubbed Alligator Alley. It has been the site for the PGA Tour’s Myrtle Beach Classic for the past two years.
It once was the host of the Senior PGA Tour Championship, but now hosts the Dustin Johnson’s annual World Junior Golf Championship.
Located at 1199 TPC Blvd. in Murrells Inlet, the public course is designed to challenge even the pros, the magazine said.
Known as the “Fantastic Four,” three of Barefoot Resort’s four courses made the top list. The public Dye Course is the highest-ranked of the four courses at Barefoot Resort, 4980 Barefoot Resort Bridge Road in North Myrtle Beach. It’s Love Course and Fazio Course also made the list. The Love Course is Love Golf Design’s only work in Myrtle Beach, according to the magazine, and features recreated ruins of an old plantation home on holes 3 through 7.
This public golf course is nestled between the Intracoastal Waterway and Cherry Grove Inlet in North Myrtle Beach. Located at 1400 Tidewater Drive, it offers golfers a scenic view and a high-ranking layout.
Grande Dunes, located at 8700 Golf Village Lane in Myrtle Beach, reopened in September 2022 after a complete greens and bunker renovation over the summer.
This golf course along U.S. 501 near downtown Myrtle Beach is home to three Arnold Palmer designed courses. King’s North previously has been on Golf Digest’s 100 greatest public courses list.
Three of this golf resorts’ courses made the list, Heathland, Parkland and Moorland. Heathland is designed in a Scottish links-style, with open, rolling terrain, the magazine said. The public golf course is located at 1500 Legends Road in the Myrtle Beach area.
This Myrtle Beach public golf course opened in 1974 at 701 Hilton Road. It was designed by renowned golf course architect Rees Jones.
Prestwick, 1001 Links Road, boasts that it has the look and feel of a private club but is open to the public. It’s located just a few miles from the Myrtle Beach International Airport.
Known as “The Granddaddy,” this is the first golf course in Myrtle Beach, opening in 1927. The course at 5603 Granddaddy Drive underwent an extensive renovation in 2021.
Situated on the Intracoastal Waterway, the magazine describes Glen Dornoch as having “terrific views and captivating design variety.” The public course is located at 4840 Glen Dornoch Way in Little River.
The Myrtle Beach golf course has three distinct nine-hole courses. The 27-hole golf course is located at 3433 Parkside Drive.
Water is a factor on nearly every hole at this Myrtle Beach area course, according to the magazine. The course that opened in 1995 is located at 5601 Leeshire Blvd.
Thomas Gordon has dreamed of being an author since he was 5 years old.Over the years, he could see the story he wanted to write forming in his mind. A lover of the ocean, his family’s trips to North Myrtle Beach, and an eventual relocation to the coastal city, helped solidify the book’s plot and its characters.But getting the book written, as well as published, became a challenge for the now 21-year-old. In 2014, he was diagnosed with the mitochondrial disease Kearns-Sayre syndrome, a rare neuromuscular condition in...
Thomas Gordon has dreamed of being an author since he was 5 years old.
Over the years, he could see the story he wanted to write forming in his mind. A lover of the ocean, his family’s trips to North Myrtle Beach, and an eventual relocation to the coastal city, helped solidify the book’s plot and its characters.
But getting the book written, as well as published, became a challenge for the now 21-year-old. In 2014, he was diagnosed with the mitochondrial disease Kearns-Sayre syndrome, a rare neuromuscular condition in which symptoms usually appear before the age of 20. Gordon was 12 when he diagnosed. There is no cure for the disease, but it can be treated.
The disease has robbed Gordon of his eyesight, and he relies on hearing aids. He can’t walk, hold a pen or type. But his mind remains sharp, and he maintains a clever wit whenever he speaks.
He managed writing the story through his mother, who became his ghostwriter of sorts. But every word and idea in “Pearl Tides and the Search for the Pahunas” is Gordon’s, his mother Missy Gibbons-Gordon said.
“I got inspired by the ocean,” Thomas Gordon said. The idea for the book actually started while Thomas and his mother were sitting on the shoreline in Crescent Beach, where they live.
Thomas would dictate to mom, and she would write it down. Gibbons-Gordon would try to make suggestions or give advice, and her son would shut it down, she said, laughing.
“It was a lesson in patience,” Gibbons-Gordon said.
“My wife tried to stick her 2 cents in there, and it wasn’t happening,” Thomas’ father, Neil Gordon, said.
It took about 10 years for the book to be finished and then published. The family chose to self-publish the book, which is available on Amazon and bookstores Beach Bookshop and Video, 225 Sea Mountain Highway, and Bookends, 753 Main St., in North Myrtle Beach.
“It was the best moment of my life,” Thomas said of his book being published.
The book is a children’s chapter adventure book that is set under the ocean. Four 12-year-olds are invited to attend the exclusive underwater school Pearl Tides Academy, where there are crabs, mermaids, dolphins and other sea creatures who are able to speak and interact with the students.
The four children eventually find themselves taking part in a mission of protecting an endangered species of oyster from a greedy entrepreneur who wants the oysters for himself. The kids soon learn that the oysters are important to the health of the ocean.
The book allows readers to learn about the ocean, as well as protecting the environment, something that is close to Thomas Gordon’s heart.
Pahunas are rare oysters that hold an exclusive pearl inside, called the infinity pearl, Gibbons-Gordon said. They also have the ability to filter more water than any other oyster in the world.
“If the oyster would die, all the sea creatures would die,” she said.
Thomas has named many of the characters in his book after family members and pets.
“I wanted to be a mermaid,” his mother said. But instead of Missy, Thomas chose the name Diana.
His father said that while Thomas’ body is giving out, his imagination has not. “He’s smart,” his father said.
Thomas graduated from high school by attending cyber school. He’s considering taking some college classes.
When he’s not writing, he listens to books on tape.
He’s currently working on a second book. And he might include his brother, who lives in Pittsburgh. If he does, he already knows what creature he will be. “A sea cucumber,” Thomas deadpans.
With Thanksgiving behind us, it’s time to focus on Christmas – although we know that many of you decked your halls and started shopping before that turkey was in the oven.The holiday also may be a time for you to take a break and get away from the hustle and bustle that comes with it.Myrtle Beach was ranked by Southern Living as one of the top Christmas-loving cities in the South with Southern hospitality that’s perfect for a holiday getaway. It also made the list of Only in Your State, a national online trave...
With Thanksgiving behind us, it’s time to focus on Christmas – although we know that many of you decked your halls and started shopping before that turkey was in the oven.
The holiday also may be a time for you to take a break and get away from the hustle and bustle that comes with it.
Myrtle Beach was ranked by Southern Living as one of the top Christmas-loving cities in the South with Southern hospitality that’s perfect for a holiday getaway. It also made the list of Only in Your State, a national online travel publication that highlights off-the-beaten path attractions and places across the country, for its Christmas charm.
Myrtle Beach was named among Southern Living’s list of 30 small town getaways for its coastal charm at Christmastime. The city has its month-long holiday festival, Winter Wonderland at the Beach, which features an oceanfront lights display along Myrtle Beach’s famed boardwalk. It begins Nov. 28 and ends Jan. 4, 2026.
Downtown is transformed into a festive retreat, drawing more than 100,000 visitors each year.
Southern Living also describes the many Christmas shows at Myrtle Beach’s theaters, such as Carolina Opry’s “The Christmas Show of the South.”
The article mentions “The Night of a Thousand Candles” at Brookgreen Gardens; however, the botanical park is located in Murrells Inlet, which is in neighboring Georgetown County, about 40 minutes from Myrtle Beach.
Myrtle Beach also was recognized for its holiday spirit at Broadway at the Beach, as well as the Christmas activities on the boardwalk.
Other South Carolina towns that made the list were Rock Hill, Greenville, Newberry, Greenwood, Charleston, Aiken, Spartanburg, Columbia and Anderson.