Granny Cams: Needed in Nursing Homes Nationwide

A term like Granny Cams is sure to turn heads, but mostly due to confusion over how important a tool this advance in technology poses. Illinois recently made news when the calendar switched over, legalizing the use of so-called “Granny Cams” in nursing homes across the state in 2016. Nicknamed Granny Cams due to their similarity in function and purpose as a “Nanny Cam” (cameras set up by parents to watch over their child care provider), these cameras serve as an important step in accountability, safety and peace of mind for residents in Illinois. It is our hope that, in time, these cameras will become a mainstay in nursing homes and elderly care facilities across the country.

The Case for Granny Cams

First: why are Granny Cams needed? Elder abuse, especially in nursing homes, is rampantly under reported. Some estimates put the reporting of elder abuse at only 1 in 14 instances, with financial exploitation reported at as low as 1 in 25 instances! This is quite obviously unacceptable, as both prongs of abuse are by themselves two too many. Granny Cams serves as a bridge to remove reporting as a component, taking away stigmas that may be felt by the victim and allowing family members and loved ones to step into action.

Deterrence is a secondary factor that cannot be underestimated – put simply, when people know that their poor actions may be witnessed and are reportable, they are less likely take action. While it is regrettable that the threat of being caught is a required deterrent, the sense of accountability created can only help the elderly. As mental illness and significant conditions such as Alzheimer’s and dementia can limit the ability of a resident to recall or take action on abuse they suffer or witness, knowing that others may catch on to theft or physical mistreatment creates an environment of accountability that, arguably, everyone benefits from.

There is also an emotional value to Granny Cams that should not be ignored. Being able to check in through a camera on a loved one can be a significant bridge to ‘humanizing’ the elderly. “Out of sight, out of mind” is a far too common reality when it comes to families that have a loved one in residential care. By providing a conduit in which loved ones can see their family member with a few clicks, siblings can communicate about the care provided and the needs of their mother or father, while also allowing younger children to see someone who may be several states away. What’s more, signs of deterioration and/or neglect may become evident more visibly than with a scheduled visit. This may not be the case for all families but if these cameras are able to help in some way for some families, everyone benefits.

Finally, the permanence of recorded video captured on Granny Cams, in the hands of family members and not facility personnel, is critical when abuse is suspected or alleged. Being able to retrace the moments surrounding an injury or missed article can help with any claim raised against a facility. Whether this involves physical, emotional or financial abuse, video can be your loved one’s strongest supporter when it comes to fixing the issue and resolving a matter in court.

For more information on the rights of the elderly, or if you suspect abuse, call us at (877) 469-7273 or fill out our online form today.