Should there be cameras in NH or AL or would it be insulting to staff?

As stated earlier, I think most nursing homes already have cameras in the common areas - my parents’ nursing home does. They do not have cameras in the rooms, and I disagree that nursing residents are beyond caring if someone was videotaping them while they were being changed or dressed. Even if they were bed-bound and beyond comprehension (which many residents are not), patients still deserve respect and their privacy.

There was a case in our state in which a reporter snuck into a memory care facility and took a photo of a man’s wife in her room. Her husband was a candidate for office and she was in the last stages of Alzheimers. He took the photo to embarrass and discredit the candidate who apparently had a relationship with another woman. The reporter was caught before he could publish it, and he was arrested and sent to prison.

I can understand that people are concerned about patients’ welfare and feel that cameras would force the staff to give better care, but all citizens, no matter the age, have protections that insure their privacy in places in which they should expect it.

The cameras in the common areas is a good idea. But, I found Luz one morning walking near the front lobby unescorted because no one was watching the camera/screen. That scared me a lot.
Cameras are no good if no one is watching unless you are trying to gather evidence.

Some facilities do have cameras in the 'common areas' and the entrances, which I think are for security purposes. To have them in the patients' rooms brings up a whole new level of concern about privacy, etc.

If you are having in home CG's, I think it might be OK as long as the CG knew that you had these in the home. In a facility--I don't know. Probably so many legal issues to deal with.

And yes, it would probably be highly insulting to the staff. I worked Elder Care as a 'career' and thinking I was being videotaped all day--I would have walked out and never come back.

Just my opinion.

I think that most caregivers do the job because they actually care, it surely isn't because they will get rich or appreciated.

I have had a number of family and friends in facilities and the care as a whole is great. That a couple people say it's awful and they starve the residents is just crap.

Caregivers feel the attitudes of people and if you are not appreciative and grateful they will not be nice to you. Why should they? Being grateful and acknowledging them with words and acts goes a long way to lift their spirits. Just like this forum, some are great and some are trouble makers, does that make all of us bad? Generalizations just make me mad.

Caregivers work hard to take good care of others loved ones, they do the best they can and if they can't force your mom to eat, any more then you could, then they are starving them. People in facilities still have rights, whether anyone agrees with them or not they still get to make personal choices. Who the he11 wants to live long in a facility because they were forced when they would rather not.

Let's stop creating a hostile environment towards professional caregivers, it is really ugly.

There are more than a few ways to look at this. I worked in a daycare center where we were always on camera. I did nothing wrong, but I found it distracting. It promoted an atmosphere of distrust between the administration and the staff, I thought. However, when I was accused of grabbing a child by the arm, the video proved I hadn’t. Before I left, they were preparing to put in more cameras that would allow the parents to watch us as well. It was too much. It’s a world of mistrust, it seems.

I only bring up this topic due to the poor quality of nursing homes in our area. I respect those of you who feel it would be insulting or uncomfortable.

Like I said, it is highly controversial and for good reason. I also see where it could possibly be useful in certain circumstances but it would have to be regulated that film couldn’t be used to manipulate or harm residents or employees in any fashion. That would be a nightmare.

Interesting.
Why would it be insulting to staff? They should welcome documentation that they are doing a great job.
I could see where it would violate the privacy of the elder. But my experience is by the time you reach a NH you don’t have any of that left.

Some allow it so do not. It might depend on if it is a shared room or private.
Audio may not be permitted it depends on regulations but in general for audio there needs to be 2 party consent.
You would have to ask the facility if cameras are permitted.
And cameras would not be permitted in washrooms or shower areas.
People do forget that they are there.

This is a hot topic in Australia at the moment. You might be interested in the following news site, or some of the links in it:
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2018-09-25/secret-surveillance-cameras-in-grandmas-nursing-home-legal/10298834

This is a funny story. When my godchild was at his first communion mass.

The priest said before mass started that receiving communion is a holy, sacred sacrament. He explicitly told parents, grandparents, godparents, aunts and uncles, etc NOT to video tape or any still photos were allowed during mass. Photos could be taken before or after the service.

Well, wouldn’t you know, one mother did not listen to the priest and Father loudly screamed at her, “ You with the camera, kneel!” Get on your knees and repent!” She looked mortified and did kneel down. I think she was shocked that he did that. This priest was very conservative and did not appreciate cameras in church.

Cameras are allowed in church for weddings. The Catholic Church has stipulations for when photos are to be taken because first and foremost the sacrament is the priority and is respected.