A Case for Cameras in Senior Care Centers
The concept of cameras in senior care centers isn’t new, but recent discussions have centered on the legality of patients or their families purchasing and installing cameras to monitor their loved ones. Connecticut recently passed legislation allowing video devices in rooms, and states such as Georgia are following suit.
But there’s an emerging case for facility-owned and operated cameras that could allow staff members to monitor the status of multiple patients from a single, centralized station rather than requiring continual, physical checks. Not only could this reduce total costs for care providers but it could also significantly improve response times if issues arise. If residents fall or become unresponsive, monitored cameras allow employees to react quickly. If staff members are down the hall in another patient’s room, however, a significant amount of time could pass before they discover that a fall has occurred.
Ensuring HIPAA Compliance When Monitoring in Senior Centers
According to Neil Lappage, public sector solutions lead at ITC Secure and member of ISACA’s Emerging Technology Advisory Group, the use of high-quality security cameras for assisted living offers several benefits, including:
- Peace of mind. “From both sides of the story, we’ve got peace of mind and daily assurance,” says Lappage. “Having updates in real time provides assurance for both sides, patients and doctors.” Families also benefit from knowing that their loved ones are receiving more reliable care.
- Real-time response. Lappage puts it simply: “Real-time monitoring will reduce the time to diagnosis, along with the time to correct and resolve issues.” Consider a patient with pre-existing conditions who falls unexpectedly. Mere minutes could make a difference between a full recovery and the potential for long-term complications or death.
- Ease of access. Lappage also points to the benefits of video systems tied into broader patient health solutions, which allow staffers to quickly access relevant patient data on demand to deliver targeted care.