Proposal to allow cameras in Illinois nursing homes gains ground

 Posted on September 08, 2014 in Firm News

Parents and other adults spend much of their lives looking out for children and making sure they are safe. Throughout the years, though, children often become the ones who are looking out for their parents and taking steps to help keep them safe and healthy.

This is why it can be so difficult for families to decide on placing an elderly loved one in the care of a nursing home facility. Many people are not comfortable with leaving someone in the care of others, especially considering the fact that thousands of claims citing nursing home neglect or abuse are investigated every year. However, a proposal was recently made that might tackle this troubling issue across Illinois.

The proposal was made by the attorney general in Illinois and was announced after she had reportedly witnessed widespread care concerns in nursing home facilities in the state. According to reports, the proposal would permit the installation of cameras in nursing home rooms.

By having cameras placed in the rooms, it is believed that the number of abusive or negligent interactions with residents would decrease. The knowledge that such behavior is being recorded could be enough to dissuade a potentially dangerous resident or staff member from mistreating a patient.

Under the terms of the proposal, the video and audio recordings would also be allowed as evidence in court cases involving allegations of neglect or abuse at a nursing home facility. The cost of the cameras and recording equipment would be covered by the resident or family members who wish to have the camera put into the room.

While the proposal has not been approved yet, it has certainly gained popularity across the state. We will be sure to follow this story and provide an update if and when the proposal is accepted or rejected.

What do you think? Could allowing cameras inside residents’ room be an effective way to deter abusive or negligent behaviors in nursing homes? 

Source: Chicago Tribune, "Camera monitoring proposed for nursing homes," Wes Venteicher, Sept. 8, 2014