When you explore online senior residential resources, you’ll notice that Pines at Bluffton has accumulated few adverse DHEC surveys or public reviews. That’s due in part to their independent living model. It could also be because they haven’t run this location very long. If your loved one lives here, you must still stay in touch with them and remain cautious and observant. As with most senior living environments, staff members have access to your loved ones 24/7. That degree of control often creates opportunities for one of the five types of abuse or neglect. Physical: The victim endures physical injuries that sometimes cause impairments Sexual: Any non-consensual sex or sexual act Emotional or Psychological: Humiliating or threatening acts or words Neglect: Malnourishment, dehydration, medication issues, and inadequate personal care Financial: Fraudulent use of a resident’s financial assets Watchfulness is particularly important when your loved one is dealing with dementia or other memory issues. Research has shown that older people with memory impairments often become abuse victims. Abuse and neglect occur because they can't always understand what's happening. If they understand that staff has abused or neglected them, they don't always remember it.