"Granny Cams" in Long-Term Care Facilities
As future RDs, we're all aware of long-term care facilities and their potential for employment after graduation. In our long-term care rotations, we've undoubtedly met countless caring and devoted nurses and aides. But unfortunately, that's not always the norm. As reports of abuse in nursing homes and other long-term care facilities are on the rise, there has been great debate about the increasing popularity of "granny cams," hidden cameras that have the ability to catch abuse and neglect on tape.
About a month ago, Oklahoma joined New Mexico and Texas in allowing residents of such facilities to keep surveillance cameras in their rooms, and five other states have been considering similar jurisdiction. Here in Ohio, Attorney General Mike DeWine was given permission from families to place cameras in residents' rooms in facilities all across the state. Thanks to incriminating footage from one of the cameras, he was able to shut down a facility in Zanesville.
This sort of surveillance falls under uncharted legal territory, and it's a complex issue. Should staff members be notified that filming might be taking place? Even if a resident has consented to being filmed by a hidden camera, what about roommates or visitors? Is the constant threat of being caught in the act really the best way to ensure quality care from employees? The New York Times has a great article that chronicles perspectives from many different experts on this topic, from lawyers to geriatricians.
Though we'd all like to hope these sort of cameras weren't necessary to begin with, it's important to accept that they could become a common fixture in long-term care in the future. We all need to be aware of the importance of both reporting abuse and neglect if we see it, and becoming well-versed on the legal implications of granny cams.
- AP
About a month ago, Oklahoma joined New Mexico and Texas in allowing residents of such facilities to keep surveillance cameras in their rooms, and five other states have been considering similar jurisdiction. Here in Ohio, Attorney General Mike DeWine was given permission from families to place cameras in residents' rooms in facilities all across the state. Thanks to incriminating footage from one of the cameras, he was able to shut down a facility in Zanesville.
This sort of surveillance falls under uncharted legal territory, and it's a complex issue. Should staff members be notified that filming might be taking place? Even if a resident has consented to being filmed by a hidden camera, what about roommates or visitors? Is the constant threat of being caught in the act really the best way to ensure quality care from employees? The New York Times has a great article that chronicles perspectives from many different experts on this topic, from lawyers to geriatricians.
Though we'd all like to hope these sort of cameras weren't necessary to begin with, it's important to accept that they could become a common fixture in long-term care in the future. We all need to be aware of the importance of both reporting abuse and neglect if we see it, and becoming well-versed on the legal implications of granny cams.
- AP
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