Virus Visitors Bans Renew Interest In Nursing Home Cameras

Visitation bans at nursing homes have renewed interest in legislation that would allow families to put remote cameras inside the facilities to help see how loved ones are doing.

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Before the pandemic, cameras were seen as a way to identify elder abuse and neglect. But now, many hope they could bring comfort after visitation bans imposed to stem the devastating tide of COVID-19 inside nursing homes left many families struggling to get information.

“That visitation ban, it was really, really upsetting to people. And I think understandably, Some facilities aren’t great about sharing information about what’s going on,” said Anna Doroghazi, the associate state director for AARP in Connecticut. She has heard stories about people calling a nursing home five times before someone finally picked up the phone and families unable to get an update on a loved one’s condition.

“For me, this isn’t about a gotcha game with nursing home staff. I think especially now, people are doing their best. They’re showing up. They’re doing a good job,” Doroghazi said. “But for me, cameras are really about peace of mind for family members.”

About a dozen states already have laws or regulations in place allowing residents and their families to install video cameras, subject to certain rules.

Last month, Missouri lawmakers passed legislation allowing families to request cameras to connect with loved ones in a nursing home. The state’s governor is reviewing the legislation.

Camera bills have also gained new life in other states, including Ohio and Connecticut.