North Charleston, South Carolina — A South Carolina woman has been arrested after police say her 90-year-old husband, who suffers from dementia, was found injured and alone outside a home described as unsanitary and infested with rodents following a welfare check.
According to the North Charleston Police Department, Teresa Marie Mills has been charged with vulnerable adult abuse and vulnerable adult neglect after officers responded to the couple’s home Sunday evening.
Authorities allege Mills left her elderly husband alone despite his medical condition and failed to seek medical care after he reportedly suffered a fall.
Welfare Check Leads to Disturbing Discovery
Police said officers were dispatched to a residence on North Kentwood Drive at approximately 7:30 p.m. Sunday to conduct a welfare check.
When officers arrived, they found the 90-year-old man sitting alone on the front porch, appearing confused and unable to communicate effectively.
According to investigators, the man was bleeding and had visible injuries, prompting officers to immediately request emergency medical assistance.
As officers approached the residence, they reported noticing a strong, overwhelming odor before even entering the home.
Police Describe Home as Unsanitary and Infested With Rodents
After entering the residence, officers described the living conditions as severely neglected.
According to the police report, the home contained urine and feces stains throughout the residence, while investigators also observed evidence of significant rodent activity, including boxes and personal belongings that appeared to have been chewed.
Police said the condition of the home raised immediate concerns about the elderly man’s safety and well-being.
The victim was later placed into emergency protective custody before being transported to a hospital for evaluation and treatment.
Wife Allegedly Left Husband Alone After He Fell
During the investigation, Mills allegedly told officers that her husband had fallen the previous day after she left him home alone while she went out to dinner with friends.
According to police, she admitted she did not call 911 or seek medical attention after returning home and discovering he had been injured.
Investigators also said Mills told them a caregiver visits the home once each week to help bathe her husband.
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Authorities have not released additional information regarding the victim’s current medical condition.
Woman Faces Abuse and Neglect Charges
Following the investigation, officers arrested Teresa Marie Mills on charges of vulnerable adult abuse and vulnerable adult neglect.
She was booked into the Al Cannon Detention Center, although jail records later indicated she was no longer listed as an inmate. Information regarding her next court appearance was not immediately available.
The allegations contained in the criminal charges have not been proven in court. Mills is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
The case remains under investigation as authorities continue reviewing the circumstances surrounding the alleged neglect of the elderly victim.
What are your thoughts on this case? What more should communities do to help protect elderly adults living with dementia and other vulnerable conditions? Share your thoughts respectfully in the comments below.