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Detecting Nursing Home Abuse with Granny Cams
Posted by: Craig A. Knapp
January 15, 2012

It's human nature to crave freedom and privacy. America is prided on being the "land of the free," with thousands of people envying the rights that Americans have and striving to obtain them. But what if some of your privacy was taken away? If you've ever read George Orwell's book, 1984, the thought of this would frighten you. However, what if I told you that by allowing a camera in yours or a loved one's bedroom, you could be helping people who couldn't help themselves?

In several states across the country, families are faced with making this tough decision for their loved one and others in nursing homes. Small, discrete cameras known as "granny cams" are being put to use in many states by families and law enforcement in an effort to monitor potential abuse and negligence concerns at nursing homes. The idea behind the cameras is to catch abuse when it happens and put an end to it quicker.

As one could imagine, granny cams have seen many successes, but have also faced controversy in relation to the lack of privacy that the camera brings. However, as more abuse cases are discovered with the help of a granny cam, more states are looking at mandating laws that allow the cameras.

Some states that have laws regarding granny cams so far are: Ohio, New Jersey, Maryland, Texas, New Mexico, and New York. In New York alone granny cams have recently led to the arrest of 22 nursing home employees after being caught on a granny cam abusing residents at two separate locations. So far Arizona has no law addressing granny cams in nursing homes, but that doesn't mean abuse can't be detected.

With or without a granny cam, abuse can be stopped. Knapp & Roberts works hard to ensure that Arizonans are knowledgeable on things to look for when suspecting abuse. If you or your loved one is being abused, please feel free to give the attorneys at Knapp & Roberts a call. We have a passion for helping others and are committed to doing everything we can to ensure abuse and negligence is stopped when detected. We believe everyone has the right to feel safe and happy, let us help.

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