Can You Put Cameras in Assisted Living Facilities?

When someone you love goes into an assisted living facility, the situation can be hard for everyone involved. You may wonder how they're doing and worry that they may run into trouble while they're there. With that in mind, more and more people are aiming to put cameras in assisted living facilities; however, this is not always allowed.

In nine states in the US, you can put cameras in assisted living facilities without permission. However, 41 states still require you to obtain the facility's permission before installing a camera.

What You Need To Know About Putting Cameras in Assisted Living Facilities

Nursing home abuse has, unfortunately, become more and more prominent as the years have gone on. Patients are often neglected, left in their rooms for abnormally long periods, and not given proper care.

Let's get to the root of the issue. Cameras are becoming a necessity for assisted living facilities.

The problem is that, as of today, there are no federal laws regulating the use of cameras in assisted living facilities. It's dependent upon each state. Right now, only nine states out of fifty allow an individual to decide whether or not to install a security camera in their loved one's room.

The states that allow you the freedom to install a camera include:

• Illinois
• Kansas
• Louisiana
• Minnesota
• New Mexico
• Ohio
• Oklahoma
• Texas
• Washington

Issues Surrounding Cameras

Many feel that a camera violates the rights of the patient, staff, and other residents in the nursing home. Most facilities have cameras installed in the common areas, but a resident's room is a sacred space.

No one, including the elderly, want to feel like their privacy is being invaded. The other problem is that many patients cannot consent to have a camera installed. This is a major violation of any laws.

Is There a Way Around the Law?

At this time, there's no way around the law. If you were to decide to install a camera without permission from the facility, you could face serious legal repercussions.

Even if the camera isn't seen, if you're using it to spy out whether or not your loved one is being abused or neglected and it records something, you won't be able to submit it as evidence since it was obtained illegally.

However, it's important to recognize that several other options exist for maintaining safety inside the room without breaking the law. Installing grab bars, for example. These Budding Joy Grab Bars (available on Amazon) are an excellent product designed to help people get in and out of showers/bathtubs more easily.

Why Put Cameras in Assisted Living Facilities

First of all, security cameras almost entirely prevent substandard care. If an individual knows they are being watched, they are almost guaranteed to take care of the resident correctly.

Moreover, it deters abuse of the patient. With cameras installed, abusers can be caught in the act.

What Are the Benefits for Residents?

The residents can have the peace of mind of knowing that if they were to fall, be attacked, or stolen from, there would be evidence of it.

Stealing, especially, is a massive problem in many assisted living facilities. Having cameras installed gives residents the security they need.

Is There a Reason There Should Not Be Cameras in Assisted Living Facilities?

One of the downsides is that many people don't want to be on camera. While they are more likely to do the right thing, it will be harder for the facility to recruit staff. Assisted living facilities are already considered low-wage and high-stress environments.

How To Get a Camera Installed in an Assisted Living Facility?

In general, the process begins with either presenting a letter of intent to install a camera or a formal letter requesting permission. Once you obtain permission, you can then go about contacting a company to install the camera.

If the facility declines permission, you may need to hire a lawyer to fight on your behalf. One thing you can do is request an in-person meeting with the director of the facility.

The Best Camera To Put in an Assisted Living Facility

If you've obtained permission to put a camera in the facility, I would recommend an IP (Internet Protocol) Camera. Being able to live stream what is happening with your loved one gives you several advantages. IP Cameras have excellent imaging capabilities and many are equipped with facial recognition, motion, and audio detection.

About Chip Mitchell

Chip Mitchell is the founder of Growing Gray USA. With over a decade of experience owning a home care company, he has helped hundreds of families navigate the complexities of caring for aging parents.