South Carolina Department of Social Services v. Patten

Sidney Patten appeals the family court’s order finding him a vulnerable adult under the Omnibus Adult Protection Act, sections 4B-35-5 to -595 of the South Carolina Code (2015 & Supp.2014) (the Act). We reverse and remand.

FACTS/PROCEDURAL BACKGROUND

At the time of his hearing, Patten was sixty-three years old and in reasonably good physical health. The record reflects he moved slowly, took blood pressure medication, used eye drops, and may have taken medication for anxiety. Patten came to the Department of Social Services’ (DSS) attention in Rock Hill based on allegations relating to his…