Is it a good thing if there are more cameras in nursing homes and assisted-living facilities in Orange County and throughout Southern California? According to a recent article in The New York Times, cameras are becoming more prevalent in eldercare facilities across the country — both in common areas as well as in residents’ rooms. As that article emphasizes, this issue of cameras in private and semi-private rooms in nursing homes and assisted-living facilities “remains a contentious subject,” yet it is a practice that is “gaining ground” across the country.
What should you know about cameras in nursing homes and assisted-living facilities in Southern California if you have an elderly loved one residing in one of these places? Our Orange County nursing home neglect attorneys can tell you more.
More States Allowing Cameras in Nursing Homes, Including California
By and large, families of nursing home and assisted-living facility residents are the ones seeking the ability to place cameras in private resident rooms in order to deter abuse and neglect, as well as to identify it when it does happen. Yet, as the report in The New York Times makes clear, not all states permit this type of recording. More are beginning to allow it, though, and California is among the states where cameras are permitted.
Currently, twenty states across the country have specific laws permitting the use of cameras in nursing homes, and many of those laws also cover rooms in assisted-living facilities. California is not actually among these states, but rather, with Maryland, is a state that has legal guidelines for the use of cameras in facilities. In order for a camera to be placed in a resident’s room in a nursing home, some requirements must be adhered to:
- Resident must know the camera is there;
- Resident must consent to the in-room use of the camera;
- Family of the resident must consent to the use of the camera;
- Resident and family must sign a waiver that goes through the California Community Care Licensing Division, which is part of the California Department of Social Services; and
- Waiver must be approved by the California Department of Social Services.
Do Cameras Prevent Nursing Home Abuse and Neglect?
Do cameras in residents’ rooms prevent nursing home abuse? When employees know the cameras are present, they may indeed have a deterrent effect. In addition, they do serve the important purpose of documenting abuse when it occurs, especially for nursing home residents who are particularly vulnerable, such as those with dementia.
As The New York Times reports, families with loved ones who have dementia are particularly keen to have motion cameras installed, and the newspaper specifically cited how adult children in San Diego are ensuring that their elderly parents are monitored since “they may not be capable of reporting incidents or recalling details.”
Contact Our Orange County Nursing Home Neglect Lawyers for Assistance
Whether you have general concerns about an elderly loved one’s safety in a nursing home or assisted-living facility, or you believe a camera captured an incident of abuse or neglect, it is important to seek legal advice from an Orange County nursing home neglect lawyer. We can assess any concerns you have and discuss your options for holding the facility accountable. Contact the Walton Law Firm today to find out more about how we can help with your case, and to learn more about the services we provide to families in Southern California.
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How Employee Well-Being Impacts Nursing Home Safety
Will CMS Nursing Home Staffing Rule Impact California Facilities?