I wonder what folk think about using audio visual monitoring of vulnerable people (those who cannot report abuse).

[barbren]

i used it for Mum when she was at home to prevent opening her bedroom door during the night to check on her and disturbing her. It worked well. It meant that I could lift my head off the pillow and see that she was alright and go back to sleep again. She knew it was there and would call me if she wanted me.

But when I talk to professionals they say it is abusing dignity and privacy.

I would actually feel more reassured that she wasn't being mis-treated now that she is in a nursing home, knowing that there was a senior person monitoring her care occasionally.

What is the difference between multiple members of staff giving private and personal care and a senior member of staff overseeing.

I would rather think of Mum as being safe and well cared for.

I would be controversial and go further to say that due care is not being given without ensuring safety with all vulnerable residents and all staff being observed to ensure good practise. With safety measures in place to prevent abuse of dignity and privacy.

[dorothy-thompson]

Dorothy-Thompson

We monitored our babies, are they not just as vunerable? You do what you think is right and proper for loved ones.

dorothy thompson

[barbren]

Hello Dorothy

Yes it was a baby monitor I was using for Mum.

I was trying to say that I thought that vulnerable individuals of any age in care homes and hospitals should be being monitored to prevent them being abused/neglected/or treated disrespectfully.

There is so much in the media about carers being arrested for abuse and care homes being closed down because of inappropriate treatment of it's residents. It worries me, I believe that care and safety of the vulnerable individual is paramount.

[dllera]

Hi -this is always an interesting spot to be in - we had a horrible experience at a care home with my dad -it started out really well but when it was harder for him to talk, walk, or had to be fed -things went down hill very quick. In fact I am in a lawsuit as we speak. I wish I had installed cameras. In the states -you can not audio record without someone's knowledge or you could but it's not allowed in court but you can visually record and I say if there is any feeling that it needs to be done then do it. We moved my dad back to his home and hired carers (he finally moved in with me after about 1 yr) and I noticed little things so I installed "nanny cams". At first I wasn't sure if i should tell the staff or use it as an "upfront" deterant. That's a personal choice -however- you do not have to tell the care home that you have put them in their room if you don't want to and you are within your rights to do so (at least in the States). I am glad I had the cameras - I have fired people over what I saw.

Hope this helps.

Danielle

[barbren]

Hi Danielle

Thank you for your response, it confirms that I am not the only person to have concerns, and that it is right to be vigilant. Mum keeps acquiring new dressings on her arms and legs with no explanation, as if one needs any extra things to worry about!

I would like to see monitoring become standard, best practice.

Good luck with your battle.

Brenda

[dllera]

Hi Barben - you may want to start looking at notes for your mom -they have to show them to you -you may also want to ask them to look at the accident log and demand an explanation for the new dressings. Definately stay on top of this. . . .

[kathleens]

This is indeed a very interesting question and one that my family and I have discusssed on a couple of occaisions but we never did go ahead and install cameras. My mum is cared for at home by a rota of carers during the day. At this stage her verbal communication skills are all but gone, and although she still tries to speak to us, we seldom understand what is being said. Lately as the disease progresses she seems to be more agitated and upset. Her agitation/upset seems to come and go. It is hopefully just frustration with the progression but we always worry that it might be as a result of an incident with a carer. She is just so vunerable and we have had incidents in the past when she could speak, and when we replaced carers as a result. Mostly we believe her carers at present are kind and caring toward her, but one really does not know. We would really be keen to have the information but do not want to upset carers on whom we depend so much. We are unsure of the legal situation and although we could broach the topic with the care agencies involved, feed that even to do that, may cause a backlash. I would be interested in the experiences others have had from carers / agencies in this regard.

[barbren in reply to kathleens]

Fearing the backlash has been my worry when talking about criticizing or monitoring carers. I would like to start a campaign to make it compulsory, standard practice for institutions to monitor vulnerable individuals, and for it to be acceptable to monitor within the home.

Be they babies, children. disabled, the elderly, anyone who cannot protest at their treatment. Not sure how to do this or if I have the energy at the moment. Mum is very ill now and I keep waiting for the phone call.

Had a very traumatic time last week when I asked to see Mums notes and the accident book. The staff were very surprised that I should query Mum's injuries, and the mention of non-accidental injury was not received well! Or even understood.

[kades]

i'd say your better to be safe than sorry and if the staff have nothing to hide and are caring for your mother they should have no objection. you hear these stories about care homes takeing advantage of vunerable adults and like a child you wouldn't put a baby or child at risk so why put your precious parent.