No one wants to put their loved ones in a nursing home, but sometimes there is simply no other option available. When you make that decision, you expect your loved one to be protected and safe, not put in harm’s way. Sadly, too many of our seniors are at an increased risk of abuse and neglect in the very environment where they are supposed to be safeguarded. The use of surveillance cameras can help to reduce the chance of Winnebago nursing home neglect, though.
The problem of abuse and neglect within nursing and retirement homes has become widespread. Steps are being taken to combat that problem, though. For instance, Illinois passed a law allowing surveillance cameras to be used in private rooms, as well as throughout the grounds of nursing homes. This law was passed in order to help prevent seniors from being abused or neglected by nursing home staff.
Is it a good idea to install surveillance cameras in nursing homes? Absolutely. It means that staff members are constantly watched, reducing the opportunity for them to abuse seniors. It also provides a visual record of the care (or lack thereof) provided to seniors to help establish whether or not neglect is occurring within a nursing home. That means there will be a reduction in the instance of both physical abuse and neglect.
Of course, there are some potential drawbacks to using surveillance cameras to combat Winnebago nursing home neglect. One of those is cost – surveillance cameras are not cheap, and installing them requires professional services. The costs of camera purchase and installation will be passed along to nursing home residents and their family members. There is also a cost in terms of privacy – because these cameras operate 24/7, there will be a reduction in privacy for residents who have them installed in their rooms. Of course, that can be seen as a good trade-off in exchange for improved protection and a reduction in the potential for abuse or neglect. With that being said, there is the potential for staff to simply monitor patients remotely via the cameras, rather than by visiting them in person.
At Fisk & Monteleone, we understand the need to protect your loved one against the threat of neglect or abuse. If you suspect your family member is being neglected or abused within a nursing home, contact us immediately.
