Long-Term Care Survey Alert

Published on Thu Jan 23, 2014 PDF

Weigh these video surveillance pros and cons.

Consider these pros and cons as you grapple with the problem of hidden cameras and other video monitoring in your nursing home:

                                                Possible Effect — Pro                                                       Possible Effect — Con

Complaints                          • Substantiation for complaints                                       • Video image may not tell

                                                • Protection against false allegations                                 the whole story

Litigation                             • Evidence in civil or criminal proceeding in
                                                   bona fide cases of abuse                                                 • Potential for increased lawsuits

• Evidence may vindicate caregiver in false
    allegation case

                                               • Discourage false allegations

Family perspective            • Families are be able to monitor                                     • Possible invasion of resident’s privacy
   their loved one’s care                                                     

Staff perspective             • Discourage potential abusers                                         • Difficulty recruiting because of surveillance,  
                                                                                                                                              feeling of “being watched”
                                         • Attention to deterring abuse may appeal
                                            to compassionate caregivers                

Sources: Attorneys Joseph Bianculli and Barbara Stegun Phair.