Do you want to install or not?

This issue is at the forefront of the debate on nursing home management. At present, the question of whether to place a security camera in a nursing home and where it should be placed is highly controversial and far from being resolved.

Advantages of installing a security camera in a nursing home

The most important argument for supporting security cameras is their deterrent value to abuse and substandard care. These security cameras, known as "grandma cams," are said to be a positive step in reducing the likelihood of abuse by older people. Experts believe that the grandma's camera can restore the public's confidence in the sanatorium alone, because they allow family members to instantly access the most recently stored video. Therefore, they can closely monitor the well-being of their parents or grandparents.

The security camera retails for at least $630 and may be as high as $1,590. In addition, the server can be accessed for only $20 a month, and images can be uploaded via a data line only for $10 a month.

Disadvantages of installing a security camera in a nursing home

Not surprisingly, the strongest opposition to the use of Grandma Cam comes from the industry itself. Nursing home operators and staff believe that video surveillance is an unnecessary privacy violation. They worry that security cameras will make it harder to retain good employees and attract new ones. In addition, they believe that the use of a security camera can compromise the patient's dignity, especially when shooting bathroom and bathing activities and being reviewed by security personnel. Another argument used is the extra cost. After all, nursing homes need not only one but also several security cameras that are distributed throughout the strategic location of the nursing home.

The debate is still going on

However, the cost of purchasing equipment and installation costs is comparable to the cost of updating home, food or entertainment services, but not trivial. This means that the purchase and installation of a security camera should be considered a necessary overhead cost, such as employee wages.

In addition, experts believe that if employees or nursing home residents are found guilty of abuse, security cameras can help nursing home operators reduce their legal responsibilities. By obtaining digital evidence at hand, nursing home owners can reduce unnecessary unfounded litigation.

At present, more than a dozen state legislatures are actively considering passing the grandmother cam legislation. Under current law, the operator must inform the staff in advance of the presence of the camera and their respective locations. Otherwise, video surveillance may be considered illegal. There is no law that explicitly prohibits the use of security cameras. However, what hinders their widespread use is the practical obstacles to the pricing and strong opposition of the nursing home industry.

So, do you want to install or not install a security camera?

When an expert publicly advocates mandatory use, the nursing home operator will strongly answer “No”. If you are a nursing home owner, the increased institutional costs are likely to make you feel cringe. If you are one of the many people looking for a nursing home for a loved one, your answer to this question should decide that you choose a nursing home. However, don't treat it as the only consideration. Check the facility's defects and the history of citations from formal regulatory inspections.

It will be very difficult to resolve this dispute quickly because it is a problem that is too close to home. It is impossible to pay the price for security or negotiating dignity.

Security camera for nursing homes – useful or waste? was originally published on Spring