When you believe the time has come to find a nursing home placement for a loved one, you may be concerned about their safety. After all, neglect and abuse remain a disturbing trend in many American nursing facilities.
Some families are choosing to place internet-connected webcams in their relative’s nursing home room to spot abuse and prevent it from occurring. A camera may protect your loved one and give you peace of mind, but there are some things you should consider before installing any devices.
Is video surveillance legal?
Many states prohibit cameras and other surveillance equipment in certain locations, including residential nursing home rooms. In Florida, you may install a video camera (even a hidden one) in your loved one’s room.
Is audio surveillance legal?
What you cannot do in Florida is capture audio of others without their consent in a place where there is a reasonable expectation of privacy. A nursing home room could be considered a place where privacy is expected.
Is it a shared room?
Another consideration is whether your family member has roommates. If so, they and their families might be disturbed by recording devices. They may raise objections or even try to seek a legal remedy.
What should you do?
It depends on what is going on right now. If you are trying to prevent the possibility of nursing home abuse or neglect, consider speaking with the facility administrators. They may be able to suggest ways to monitor your loved one or provide guidance with surveillance camera issues.
On the other hand, if you suspect abuse and are seeking evidence, a legal opinion can guide you forward while helping you protect your family member from harm.