safety
Wife charged for leaving husband with dementia home alone while she went out with friends, police say
By WSMV 4 News (NBC affiliate)
· July 13, 2026
· 1 min read
NORTH CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCSC/Gray News) — A South Carolina woman is accused of going out to dinner with friends while she left her disabled husband home alone in “deplorable” conditions, police said.Teresa Marie Mills, 66, is charged with neglect and abuse of a vulnerable adult.The North Charlest...
Key takeaway Teresa Marie Mills, 66, is charged with neglect and abuse of a vulnerable adult.
Why this matters in The Nashville
This case in South Carolina raises concerns about the well-being of vulnerable adults in Nashville , particularly those with dementia. The deplorable conditions described in the home are a stark reminder of the potential consequences of neglect. In Nashville, where the population of older adults is growing, it is crucial that families and caregivers have access to resources and support to provide adequate care. The city's social services and healthcare providers must be equipped to handle cases of neglect and abuse, and to provide emergency interventions when necessary. As Nashville's community continues to grow and age, it is essential that local authorities and organizations prioritize the safety and well-being of vulnerable adults, providing them with the care and protection they deserve. This includes ensuring that caregivers are aware of the resources available to them, such as adult protective services and respite care, to prevent situations like the one described from occurring in our own community.
About this story
Original reporting by WSMV 4 News (NBC affiliate) . The Nashville surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit WSMV 4 News (NBC affiliate) . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: safety ·
Published: July 13, 2026 ·
Source: WSMV 4 News (NBC affiliate) ·
Reading time: 1 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? NORTH CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCSC/Gray News) — A South Carolina woman is accused of going out to dinner with friends while she left her disabled husband home alone in “deplorable” conditions, police said.Teresa Marie Mills, 66, is charged with neglect and abuse of a vulnerable adult.The North Charlest...
When was this published? This article was first published on July 13, 2026 by WSMV 4 News (NBC affiliate) and curated for The Nashville readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by WSMV 4 News (NBC affiliate). To learn more about how The Nashville selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more safety coverage from The Nashville, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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