According to an AARP scorecard on states’ performances on meeting standards for long-term care for elderly people and disabled people, Louisiana ranked 40th. This study highlighted the need for the state to step up its pace to meet changing demographic demands and do justice for its elderly population.
In one such move, Louisiana lawmakers have signed in a law to install “granny cams” in nursing home rooms. This new law is aimed at giving family members more opportunities to check in on their loved ones and ensure they are getting the care they need. Nursing home residents could have video monitoring devices in their rooms if certain conditions were met. These conditions include the family members footing the bill of the device and its maintenance and installation. Families have to get consent from the other residents in their loved one’s room and the law would now require the nursing home to consent to it.
Even though certain groups have criticized the law, claiming the feed could be hacked, family members of nursing home residents welcome the law. It gives them an opportunity to keep an eye on loved ones and ensure their family members are not undergoing nursing home abuse or neglect, a very real and sad occurrence in nursing homes.
Nursing home abuse can be of various types and not all are easily recognizable. Family members of nursing home residents may be afraid of voicing their concerns about substandard care, afraid that patients might feel the repercussions. However, it is important to know there are legal options available. If Louisiana residents believe their loved ones are victims of nursing home abuse, it might be possible to file a medical malpractice suit against the facility that is responsible for ensuring their well-being.
