Geriatricians Consider Pros, Cons of Cameras to Reduce Elder Abuse

Aging residents of nursing homes and similar elder care facilities are often unable to communicate if they’re being harmed due to memory or speech problems. One potential solution would be to introduce surveillance cameras in senior care facilities, but some worry these cameras could be a double-edged sword.

While elder abuse lawyers are already used to having to rely on numerous sources of information to build cases on behalf of their clients, geriatricians question whether or not footage could be taken out of context. For example, some doctors argue that patients can have negative interactions with staff at nursing homes regardless of the standard of care. Dementia patients may struggle to orient themselves in their surroundings and lash out.

However, geriatricians do admit that the U.S. population of senior citizens does struggle to protect themselves due to frailty. People who worry about elder abuse would need to speak with older relatives and get their consent before installing video cameras. Since many incidents occur at times when residents need assistance, cameras could be installed in bathrooms as well as bedrooms.

Laws vary by state regarding the ability for relatives or guardians to use surveillance. Currently, only Oklahoma, New Mexico and Texas have laws that spell out the rights for monitoring, but while it is often done in other states, the guidelines are not quite as clear. Still, elder rights advocates note that many times families decide to act because they have reported concerns to the authorities and nothing happened.

There are concerns for those who are acting in a private capacity to find out if senior citizens they care about are being hurt or the victim of elder neglect. It is important to raise concerns with nursing home staff and consider working with elder abuse attorneys to ensure one stays on the correct side of the law.

Families who think a loved one has been the victim of abuse or elder neglect may want to consider legal options if they are unable to achieve a remedy through other avenues. Learn more about this path by visiting the Elder Abuse Nursing Home Neglect Class Action Lawsuit Investigation today. Depending on the facts of the case, an award to help pay for a move and any necessary rehabilitation and therapy may be possible as well as steps to remove dangerous employees. Start today and learn what options you and your family have.