Even when you know it’s the best decision for their well-being, choosing to move your loved one into a nursing home is never an easy decision. The decision often comes with mixed feelings. On the one hand, you’re relieved that they’ll be receiving the care and attention they need for their health, but on the other, you worry about what happens when you’re not there. Regardless of where you reside, reports of nursing home abuse are common. However, in Florida, reports of nursing home abuse and neglect are particularly high with AARP’s 2023 Long-Term Services Scorecard showing that the state ranked 34th for safety and quality in the entire country.
These devastating statistics lead to an important question: Should cameras be allowed in nursing homes to minimize the risk of abuse and neglect? For one family, the answer is yes, and they are currently trying to persuade Florida legislators to accept their request.
Tragic Case Leads to One Family’s Push to Install ‘Granny Cams’
In February 2021, Stephanie Sifrit and her husband Tom made the difficult decision to place Stephanie’s mother in a nursing home in Bradenton, Florida. The decision followed their mother’s severe dementia and Alzheimer’s, realizing she could no longer be cared for at home. On three separate occasions, Sifrit asked the facility’s administrator if she could install a recording device (often referred to as a granny cam) in her mother’s room, but was told “No” with the administrator citing privacy concerns for the care staff. (A fascinating argument against the use of cameras!)
Two and a half weeks later, Sifrit’s mother was allegedly sexually assaulted.
Following the tragic incident, the Sifrits filed a complaint with the Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA) and a lawsuit against the nursing home facility for negligence and a Breach of Fiduciary Duty. Not only did the AHCA dismiss the Sifrits’ complaint and told them that the allegation wouldn’t be investigated, but because the nursing facility filed bankruptcy in 2024, their lawsuit was dismissed.
For the Sifrits, taking the case before the Florida legislature was the next step. Last month, Stephanie went before a panel of Republican legislators, urging, “I implore you to hear my request, my plea, and now my cry, which is on behalf of thousands of vulnerable citizens who are in their difficult end-of-life journeys and cannot self-protect, self-defend, nor self-advocate.”
Unfortunately, the Sifrits’ story is not unique. Many tragic cases of nursing home negligence and abuse have led to the creation of many proposed bills over the years that have failed to make it into law. Senate Bill 64, which would allow electronic monitoring devices to be installed in a nursing home resident’s room was introduced in 2024 but ultimately did not pass.
Why Many Nursing Homes Oppose Granny Cams
When it comes to the installation of granny cams, many nursing homes immediately cite privacy concerns, not just for their staff but for their residents, as well. However, in Florida, doing so isn’t necessarily against the law.
As stated under Florida Statute § 934.03, you are allowed to record someone’s voice as long as you have their permission to do so. Generally, it is up to the nursing home as to whether or not you can install a camera in your loved one’s private room. Without permission, installing one privately isn’t just a violation of this statute, but can lead to criminal consequences, as well.
Similar Post: Preventing Elder Abuse: Questions to Ask Before Choosing a Care Facility in Florida
Expert Insight on Why Families Want Cameras
“Granny cams help families put ‘eyes on’ mom at all times,” says attorney Scott E. Gwartney. “As the technology has improved and become cheaper and more accessible, I'm running across more and more families who use cameras. I highly recommend the use of cameras to help monitor a loved one in long term care.”
He continues: “Most facilities require the family to provide notice that there's a camera in the room and I believe the presence of cameras helps ensure good conduct while in the room. Let’s face it: Some people just behave better when they know they are being watched. Nonetheless, I still run across an occasional family who sends me a video where the staff has obviously forgotten that they're being watched and recorded.”
Scott’s perspective highlights why so many Florida families continue to push for clearer laws. When installed, these cameras offer families peace of mind, transparency, and accountability.
Similar Post: Warning Signs of Neglect: How to Spot Red Flags in Nursing Homes and Assisted Living Facilities
How to Protect Your Loved One at Their Nursing Home
Being unable to install a granny cam at your loved one’s nursing home doesn’t mean you are out of options. Here are several other ways you can protect your loved one:
Visit Often and at Different Times
Regular visits remind staff that you are actively involved in your loved one’s care and paying attention to their well-being. When visiting, it’s recommended to drop in on different days and at different times, as doing so gives you a clearer picture of the type of care your loved one is receiving.
Scott recommends dropping in at least once after a late movie. You only have to stay long enough to give mom a goodnight kiss on the cheek or leave her a note that you came by, but the night staff will long remember that you may come by at any time. Popping in at predictable times can make it easier for staff to be on their best behavior.
Regularly Review Your Loved One’s Care Plans and Medical Records
Your loved one’s individualized Care Plan and medical records offer critical insight into their overall well-being, including any changes in mood or mobility, what medications they’re on, and if they’ve suffered any recent falls.
Your participation in the Care Plan meetings shows staff that you care, and offer a great time to ask questions. Regularly checking these documents is critical to seeing if anything is off. For example, if your mother has sustained several falls over a short period of time, it could be indicative of poor fall-prevention protocols.
Look For Physical and Behavioral Changes
People can say a lot without ever opening their mouth. Body language, including avoiding eye contact, crossing arms, or sweating around certain staff members can be indicators of a loved one’s fear and discomfort, while unexplained bruises, weight loss, and poor hygiene are usually clear signs of neglect.
If you notice anything unusual, be sure to report and document it, including when the changes first appeared, who you reported them to and what you were told. Be sure to take photos of injuries and signs of neglect, like fall hazards or unwashed hair. Clear documentation is critical for pursuing a nursing home abuse and neglect claim.
Contact Brooks, LeBoeuf, Foster, Gwartney, & Hobbs to File a Nursing Home Abuse Injury Claim in Florida
Learning your loved one has suffered neglect or abuse at the hands of the people that were entrusted to take care of them is devastating, but you’re not alone. At Brooks, LeBoeuf, Foster, Gwartney, & Hobbs, we understand the emotional complexity of these cases and are here to help you understand your family’s rights and pursue justice.
Serving Tallahassee and beyond, we are here to help you every step of the way. Don’t wait to contact us to schedule a free consultation. We’ll get to the bottom of what happened and hold your loved one’s nursing home accountable for the harm they caused. Call today at 850-605-3555.
Disclaimer: This blog is intended for informational purposes only and does not establish an attorney-client relationship. It should not be considered as legal advice. For personalized legal assistance, please consult our team directly.