There would be an awareness on the part of the caregiver that conversations or gestures could be taken out of context and misinterpreted by people monitoring the situation. Constant supervision could change that dynamic. Smiling and joking when appropriate and physical gestures like holding hands or giving hugs are important methods for diffusing tension, embarrassment and discomfort in elder care. Learning about their backgrounds, their family members, their hobbies and their careers is an important part of promoting comfort and trust. Quality care providers make an effort to get to know their clients and residents. Genuine friendship between caregivers and care receivers care could be inhibited by cameras as well. Some professional caregivers may fully understand and agree with a family’s decision to opt for heightened supervision, while others may resent entering a work environment where they are automatically met with distrust and suspicion. Each person has their own ideas and opinions regarding trust and privacy, but the understanding is usually that one must give trust and respect in order to receive these things in return. In some cases, cameras can help to kickstart the development of trust between staff and families, but in others, the presence of cameras may undermine this initiative from the get-go. Potential Drawbacks of Installing Cameras The ability to confirm that a mishap was, in fact, an accident could help prevent unnecessary drama and even the departure of an excellent, well-meaning caregiver. Even the most gentle and attentive caregivers, whether family members or hired professionals, have had falls and injuries occur on their watch. This is actually very important, especially for seniors who are prone to falls or bruising. If an accident does occur, video can quickly eliminate any suspicions that an aide or staff member is at fault. While the goal of using cameras is usually to provide peace of mind to families and added protection for seniors, surveillance can also protect the professionals who are providing hands-on care. If home care aides or long-term care staff are aware of the cameras, it could also reduce the likelihood of a loved one’s mistreatment, much in the same way signs alert the public to the presence of surveillance systems, guard dogs or home security systems to deter crime. In a more idealistic scenario, the family would also be able to observe the wonderful care and compassion that many staff members provide, which is an important step in establishing a trusting relationship. Not only would this alert a senior’s family to wrongdoing, but it would also serve as concrete evidence as grounds for rebuke, termination or even the filing of criminal charges. Any kind of abuse, neglect, theft or other misbehavior would be recorded. This can help provide peace of mind and a higher level of involvement to family members near and far. ![]() The obvious advantage is a family’s ability to monitor the care a loved one receives, even if they cannot be present. ![]() Can installing cameras help to strengthen or undermine the trust a family places in professional caregivers and long-term care facilities? Is this technology beneficial or intrusive when it comes to monitoring the care an aging loved one receives? This complex issue has many legal and ethical implications, and they are worth exploring before making a decision for or against video surveillance. Establishing trust takes time, but most care providers and receivers do not have the luxury of getting to know one another well before their relationship begins. Trust is a fundamental part of any relationship, especially those between seniors, their family members and professional caregivers. As seniors’ needs increase and caregivers struggle with burn out, there are few solutions out there that do not involve bringing in outside help from “strangers.” To feel more comfortable with this arrangement, many caregivers have applied a technique used to monitor childcare workers (nanny cams) and applied it to elder care, resulting in so-called “granny cams.” These concerns are well-intentioned, as caregivers only want the best for those they love.īut, it is impossible for one person to provide around-the-clock care and supervision. Most people have heard cautionary tales about negligent care providers, causing families and seniors alike to be apprehensive about hiring in-home care or entertaining a move to a senior living facility. Safety and quality care are top concerns for seniors who live alone and especially for those who rely on hired help to maintain their health and independence. A hotly debated example is the use of cameras and other recording devices to monitor the care that vulnerable elders receive in their own homes and in long-term care settings.
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