Florida Lawmakers Consider Allowing ‘Granny Cams’ in Nursing Homes
Florida Lawmakers Consider Allowing ‘Granny Cams’ in Nursing Homes
During an ongoing debate over privacy and senior protection, a Florida House panel has approved a proposal requiring nursing homes and assisted living facilities to permit video cameras and other electronic monitoring devices in residents’ rooms.
While some facilities already allow family members to install so-called “granny cams,” supporters of the bill (HB 223), sponsored by Rep. Susan Plasencia, R-Orlando, argue it would provide greater protection for vulnerable seniors, including those with Alzheimer’s disease.
However, the bill faces opposition from nursing home and assisted living facility groups, noting that residents often have personal conversations and receive assistance with tasks such as changing clothes and incontinence care.
“If you look at the news lately, you’ll see and you’ll find where there’s a lot of issues happening that people catch on cameras that otherwise they would not. And there are horrific scenes happening to people who are elderly, who can’t take care of themselves and who, even if they could say what happened, people wouldn’t believe it because maybe they have dementia or Alzheimer’s, something that would cause someone to not believe what they’re saying,”
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