When an Older American moves into a nursing home or assisted living facility, it can be challenging for all parties involved. For the Older American, he or she must learn to adapt to a new lifestyle and surroundings. For his or her loved ones, worries may plague their minds, concerned that their senior loved one will be well taken care of and safe.

Recently, across the country, legislation proposing the implementation of security cameras in nursing home facilities is gaining traction.

This proposed legislation has found many people on opposing sides of the issue. To help better inform you about this important topic, let us share with you some of the potential advantages and disadvantages of making security cameras a staple fixture in nursing homes.

Potential Advantages

Unfortunately, elder abuse and exploitation are prominent issues in many nursing home facilities.

In fact, research tells us that one in ten Older Americans age 60 plus have experienced some form of elder abuse. Installing security cameras may be one way to effectively increase the safety of nursing home residents. The frequent monitoring of daily operations and nursing home staff may deter bad actors. Further, if a nursing home resident is experiencing abuse, whether physical, mental, or financial, the security cameras may catch footage of the abuse taking place. This may increase the chance that the perpetrator will be caught and prevent further abuse from taking place.

Potential Disadvantages

While the potential reduction of elder abuse is a significant advantage of installing security cameras in a nursing home facility, there are also disadvantages of using this type of technology. First, the privacy of nursing home residents may be implicated, particularly if security cameras are installed in the bedrooms. Further, unfortunately, elder abuse can happen anywhere in the nursing home facility. If abuse is occurring in the bathrooms, for example, a security camera will not catch that encounter. Consent is another important issue. If one nursing home resident agrees to have a camera installed in his or her bedroom, but his or her roommate, for example, refuses, who will prevail?

The installation of security cameras in nursing home facilities presents both advantages and disadvantages.

While this is a relatively new proposal, we encourage you to contact a local attorney who understands these issues. Through a free case evaluation you can learn more about your elder loved one’s rights and receive recommendations in the event that a legal claim may be warranted. We are your local expert attorneys here to answer your questions twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week.