Illinois is the sixth state in the United States to allow cameras in nursing facilities at the request of the family or resident. What next! Technology has made its debut in the most private circumstances of our lives.
The Attorney General of Illinois noted that the devices would “ensue loved ones are receiving appropriate care”. If, as a country, we want to halt abuse and neglect of seniors we need only look at the homes where these frail defenseless individuals reside with families who do not care for their most basic needs. Who take their money to live, party and vacation. Who lock them in the basement or their rooms when the family goes out for entertainment. Who is concerned when a family, neighbors or friends allow a senior to live in filth with animals and rodents without intervening?
There are times when families ask if they should install cameras in their homes to monitor caregivers. My response is that if you do not trust the caregiver or agency, you should select another agency. The same can be said of facilities. If the customer is so untrusting of the care and services that they want to install a camera, they should find another living option for the senior.
The individual who chooses to abuse, neglect or ignore a senior that they are caring for, will find a way to continue this behavior regardless of cameras. There are a plethora of opportunities and cameras cannot watch everyone, every second and in every nock and cranny. The camera or other recording device is not a catch for all security measures.
What about the rights of the other residents, staff and visitors. How does a resident’s roommate with dementia agree or disagree with the device request. What about confidential discussions with families and others such as financial planners or attorneys? How do we provide privacy and confidentially in these situations?
We live in a society where seniors are not treasured members of our general culture. This is another example of how we ostracize them to institutional settings. Rather than a treasured visit from a family member, we monitor them with recording devices to catch someone in the act of caring.
For further advice and information regarding granny cams and whether you should install one or not, please get in touch with me.