Could Reform of Camera Laws Lead to Better Protection From California Nursing Home Abuse?
| February 17th, 2015
Nursing homes and long-term care facilities can be a wonderful living arrangement for the elderly who are no longer able to care for themselves. Unfortunately, not all patients at these facilities receive the care they deserve. In fact, the National Center on Elder Abuse estimates that approximately 1 in 3 elderly patients will become the victims of nursing home abuse this year. So what can be done to stop this problem? Many say installing cameras in patient rooms at nursing homes can create accountability for staff that may otherwise not be present, but California law currently prohibits this practice. According to an article from NBC San Diego News, California nursing home patients can be monitored in common areas, such as dining rooms or hallways, via surveillance cameras, but not in private areas like bedrooms or bathrooms. Many families and experts believe reform to these laws is needed in order to better protect the health and safety of patients. Opponents of the changes say allowing patients to be filmed in bedrooms would violate privacy laws. Whether or not these laws are changed, the California personal injury attorneys with Berg Injury Lawyers say there are several actions you can take to protect your loved ones from becoming the victims of nursing home abuse, including:- Visiting Often- Studies have shown patients with frequent and regular visitors are less likely to become victims of nursing home abuse.
- Asking Questions- If you have concerns about the care your loved one is receiving or don’t fully understand their treatment options, we encourage you to discuss these issues with your loved one’s caregivers.
- Reporting Any Suspected Issues- If you believe your loved one has been harmed by a caregiver or another patient, report the incident and evidence to the proper authorities immediately.
