A personal webcam can be viewed by the person who owns the webcam - it has nothing to do with the internet. It is a monitoring device that records everything going on in that particular room. Like video surveillance such as in your local supermarket or of ones home and yard to thwart or help identify thieves - these are not "broadcast over the internet...for any and all to see". They are ones own private property!

GLAD, I couldn't agree more! It even goes so far regarding posting pictures of children on Social Media that isn't protected, and let's face it, none of it is anymore! I read a very interesting article about pedophiles who would target children on Facebook pages, and could then hack into practically anything, their names, schools, home address and phone number! Immediately, I forwarded this article to my Grandies Mom, so that she could put in the safeguards to protect who could see, and share pix of my Grandies, but those sicko's are out there, and really know how to get around these "firewalls" and protection, and sometimes all we can hope for is The Best! Now Vulnerable Adults are in the exact same category, IMO, and these online cameras in Adult facilities should never be allowed. Now CCTV, is different, as is used in hospitals and Nursing homes, and don't get put out there into the Universe, or at least I don't think so! Even private home systems, regulated by cable companies for home monitoring systems, and for people checking in on their elderly parents or latch key kids I can understandas again there are safeguards in place, but to blast vulnerable people's lives over the Internet, is just wrong! Plus, whoever comes into view, Has Nothing given their permission for their likeness to be viewed online by just anyone!

Right now, ProPublica has been outstanding in getting patients together who are victims of malpractice. They've done an amazing job of reporting. Check out Dollars for Docs and other databases they have. I am so grateful to them.

Social media has been a great way for patients who are able to use it to gather together to discuss their experiences in various care settings. With the increased accessibility features added to cellular phones, tablets, and computers, many elders, persons with low vision, and those who do not use keyboards can now easily access the web. Before, the web was a place considered only for those who had been educated enough to use a keyboard. I believe many institutions are threatened by this, since now, patients have access to information. Rightfully, all persons should have access, none should be shut out. What are these institutions hiding? Their attempt to hide information from the public ranges from charging money for it to simply eradicating information or altering it (fudging). ProPublica has been amazing at discovering this fraud where it has occurred, bringing it to light, and advocating for patients.

As for the staff's use of it to take photos to exploit patients, I personally have seen less of that. However, I have seen quite a bit of staff who illegally limit patient access to telephone, due to their own insecurities. What are they trying to hide? Patients have a right to communicate with their families via phone or with whomever they want unless courts or doctor's order dictates otherwise. I have see staff use patient phones to make their own personal calls, either house phones or even cellular telephones. Then these staff discredit the patients if ever the patients try to tattle, by saying it never happened. It is so easy to take advantage of institutionalized people, and so disgusting.

Social media is a tool. It doesn't harm in itself. It depends on how it is used.

How is a webcam any different? In a faculty I can see that it would be a useful monitoring device, however the video is being broadcast over the internet, so it is out there for any and all to see.

These people have been engaging in this kind of behaviour all along, it is only now that they are posting on social media that their actions can't be denied and swept under the rug.

I don't understand why anyone would think these pictures are ok to post. I'm disgusted! Are we as a society so self-absorbed that we are going unable to consider others thoughts and feelings?

This is important information. I will make sure, for myself and my loved ones, that living wills/AHCD ensure 24hour webcam surveillance in the room. That way I or another family member can monitor and report any abuse, (including any gaps in the round the clock feed). And the facility chosen will be one that requires cell phones to be kept in lockers except during breaks! Since when did playing on a phone become an allowable part of any job description?! The problem is much deeper: Lack of respect for our elders and our children (day care centers) vis a vis decent paying jobs. The result is an undereducated, undertrained and generally unskilled workforce. What do we expect when this is the way we treat the most vulnerable in our society? I'll fight fire with fire - demand my own technological solution to the technology 'problem'.

I think any it's disgraceful that anyone would even consider taking such degrading pictures of anyone. I wonder if they knew that when they got older, that this would be done to them, if it would make them reconsider. All people deserve to be treated with respect and dignity. Think before you click!

This made me ssssooooo angry!!

Posting compromising photographs of anyone in a compromising situation is an invasion of privacy. Think of the photo graphs of the people in Walmart, maybe if they choose to go out in public dressed that way or performing those acts in public it gives others implied permission to share pictures I really don't know,
If parents posted pictures of their naked children running around covered in feces it would be considered endangering the welfare of that child.

The same applies to residents of institutions whether they are suffering from dementia or not if the subject does not agree. Many people definitely do not want others to see them when they are ill at the end of life and thus refuse visitors. Often caregivers do want those momentoes and disregard what might be the wishes of their loved ones should they be competent.

Making fun of people in their care is never appropriate for any caregiver and in my view should be actively discouraged and appropriate punishment instituted. Cell phones should not be allowed for healthcare professionals when on duty. Major hospitals have personal communication systems in place to reach individuals or for them to reach each other. Conducting personal business while on duty is a theft of time from the employer as is the personal use of a computer in any employment situation.

To say the least I am personally disgusted with this kind of behavior.

It is not only the images that would be embarrassing and an invasion of privacy at issue. Even families photograph ill family members to post to social media networks that the subject of the photo would never agree to posting publicly. People just do not think. So many with their various devices have grown up to think that anything is appropriate to post. If people would only put themselves in the position of those they are posting. Same themselves if that was them would they want the world to have access to it? Many times the answer is no. If images are to be shared with friends and family at the very least protect the image so only certain people can see it. Then there is the risk that others will repost it and it is out there forever. Think before you post anything especially if it would be embarrassing for you if you were on the other side of that camera.