Find Senior Care (City or Zip)
Join Now Log In
S
Stillflyn912 Asked February 2021

If we place cameras in our elderly parent's home, should we inform the caregivers and their company that we are videotaping?

Hi, I am considering placing cameras in my 91 year old Mom's home and would like to know if anyone here has any knowledge regarding the necessity of informing the Hired Caregivers and their Company of said Videotaping . Primarily to keep an eye on my Mom while I'm gone (Sometimes 2 days in a row) but also to verify that the Caregivers are following the "Care Plan". Very concerned that these 2 individuals are sitting at the Dining table behind my Mom (whose back is to them sitting in a recliner) whilst they talk and scroll on their phone. Neither one (per my mom) engage with her. But most importantly, because she's a fall risk, they are suppose to guide her while she walks with the Oxygen tubing and stand by while she goes to the bathroom. There is more to the "story" regarding how the Caregiver Company is responding to my "concerns", but I won't go into it now. Suffice it to say, Mom is about 60% reliable with her memory, and I feel the need to justify what I suspect is happening, ergo....Video. Thank you for any feedback.

Isthisrealyreal Feb 2021
I would not tell them. Because I personally believe that if you have to video them then something is far wrong and you should be looking for alternative caregivers.

I live in a single consent state, meaning only 1 party needs to agree to being recorded and since I do, I don't even need to tell you. It is my house after all and you can not expect privacy in someone else's home.

Do what you need to do to ensure your mom's wellbeing, because obviously the agency doesn't care if their employees are behaving ethically and actually earning the paycheck they receive.

Before anyone blows up about how little they are paid, they accepted the jobs knowing what they would be paid and what the job description was, if they don't like it, screwing over the person that you are supposed to be caregiving for is WRONG no matter how anyone justifies it and makes them wrong and a thief for stealing time.

NeedHelpWithMom Feb 2021
As others have said, check the law concerning cameras.

If the law allows recording in your area, then how do you feel about the caregiver knowing if they are recorded?

Personally, I never think about cameras on me because all of us are constantly being watched.

There are cameras everywhere!

Cameras are in banks, stores, schools, parking lots, businesses, doorbells, etc. So, we should be used to it by now.

Some may find it an invasion of privacy. I would not. How do you feel?

I have heard some people say that they feel people will try to avoid the cameras if they are aware of them. This would defeat the whole purpose of having a camera.

It’s your house. You are advocating for your loved one.

If the caregiver isn’t doing anything wrong then why should they object to being filmed?

It really depends on if you think you should tell them or if you would rather record secretly.

It’s your business, not the caregiver. It is not a sign of disrespect to record them.

In my state we can place cameras in nursing homes.

There are stipulations regarding recording. You may not record your roommate. The camera can only be placed on your loved one.

I can understand why you would like a camera. A picture is worth a thousand words! Cameras don’t lie.

ADVERTISEMENT


Hedgie Feb 2021
Depends on what state you are in an what laws are applicable. Some states do not allow you to tape without telling the other person(s) that they are being taped.

Grandma1954 Feb 2021
Video is used and legal. Audio is not legal UNLESS you get consent from everyone that may be recorded.
I doubt that you even have to inform them but I would double check the contract but normally what you do in your house is not governed by an outside agency.
You can not place cameras in an area where one would expect privacy, like the bathroom. If you place a camera in mom's bedroom it should be in an area that will record when she is dressing or undressing.
NeedHelpWithMom Feb 2021
Audio is legal in my state without the other parties knowing.
Geaton777 Feb 2021
If it's not in the contract, then check your state's laws on it.

Guestshopadmin Feb 2021
Check your contract. Many specifically require consent to record their employees.

ADVERTISEMENT

Ask a Question

Subscribe to
Our Newsletter