Turning to security camera surveillance as a way to protect elderly relatives probably never occurred to most families 10 years ago. Today the practice is almost routine.
Every 10 seconds another baby boomer reaches retirement age. This growing elderly population, coupled with an entirely new set of threats faced by elderly family members, has made increased attention to personal safety a necessity for sons, daughters and caregivers of elderly family members.
For post-retirement parents and family members with the added challenges of a chronic illness, Alzheimer’s disease and dementia, the threats are even greater, whether they are being cared for at home or in a nursing home. For them, security camera surveillance can add an extra layer of security.
When the unthinkable happens
A recent news article told the story of three men who knocked on the door of an elderly woman’s home and persuaded the dementia patient to take her to several local retail stores.
Unaware of what was happening, the woman signed on, and by the end of the day the men had persuaded her to apply for credit accounts at each of the stores. The men then went on a shopping spree that ended up costing the woman more than $10,000.
When the bills arrived, concerned family members were only able to piece together the details of what had happened using surveillance video from the security cameras at the stores where the accounts were opened.
The story emphasized both the vulnerability of many seniors and the safety net value of security surveillance video.
Older people face several risks
The potential for health emergencies, elder abuse, stolen prescriptions, identity theft, and general abuse or underexposure has led a new generation of family members to turn to security camera surveillance to ensure the health and safety of their loved ones.
The National Research Council Panel to Review Risk and Prevalence of Elder Abuse estimates that between 2% and 10% of elders in nursing homes have been victims of abuse or theft.
The ability to keep tabs on loved ones via camera feeds has given concerned family members both reassurance and the ability to keep work schedules while providing needed attention.
Situations at home or in the care center
Installing a home security camera surveillance system can provide peace of mind when family members want to feel safe in their part-time home care service. An in-home system can also alert family members to health emergencies with remote monitoring capabilities and give them enough time to respond.
These in-home systems also allow family members to have more information in the event of a sick or infirm relative leaving or leaving home.
Before you install a security camera surveillance system in an elderly relative’s room in a care facility, you should first make sure you’ve reviewed all contracts and spoken to an administrator first.
In some states, it is legal to have a camera housed in personal items that remain with the elderly person, such as a B. a stuffed animal, a pen or a watch.
Also, some states, like Texas, have already passed laws allowing these “granny cameras.”
When in doubt, be sure to ask someone in a position of authority at a care center that you have contracted with.
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Thanks to Kathy Hollar
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