When you put your elderly family friend or loved one in a nursing home, you may do your research to find a facility that you feel is safe. Yet, an alarming number of elderly nursing home residents are victims of some form of nursing home abuse. At least 1 in 10 senior citizens over the age of 60, have been victimized by elder abuse, according to the National Council on Aging. The numbers are thought to be much higher, however, as many cases go unreported. In order to protect your loved one from such abuse, you may want to install a security camera in his or her room. There are ethical and privacy concerns with doing so.
When a security camera is installed in an elderly resident’s room, they no longer have certain privacies. The cameras may catch the patient changing clothes, sleeping, having a bath or performing another type of task that puts them in a vulnerable state. Furthermore, when patients talk to nurses or even visitors, their conversations are no longer private as they are caught on the camera. Security cameras can ensure that caregivers are giving the patient the level of care he or she deserves.
New Mexico allows families to put a security camera in a resident’s room if they have permission from the resident and the resident’s roommate, if there is one. With the use of security cameras, many hope to divert abusers from hurting their loved ones who are living in a nursing home facility.
This information is intended to educate and should not be taken as legal advice.
