As the population ages, more and more families will want to consider how to care for the older adults in their lives. Some may have concerns that older adults will not be properly protected by any professional caregivers that are entrusted with the task. Nursing home abuse is a sad circumstance for far too many families who may struggle with care planning. This is why Georgia lawmakers are considering a bill that would allow surveillance cameras in rooms of health facilities.
The AARP is advocating for three legal measures that, it argues, would protect older residents from abuse. A Georgia advocacy manager says they include expanding access to broadband internet in rural areas, the increased usage of telehealth for patients to engage with their chosen medical professionals, and passing the Authorized Electronic Monitoring in Long-term Care Facilities Act. That last measure would allow families to install video surveillance in rooms of nursing homes and other long-term health care facilities where their elder loved ones live.
The AARP spokesperson says that the cameras wouldn’t just be used for surveillance but also as a communication tool for older residents with their families. She also stated that the AARP’s main goal is to promote the well-being of older Georgians and that these technological advancements are a way to accomplish that goal. She says the cameras would minimize the isolation and disengagement that many older residents sometimes experience when they live in a long-term care facility.
These legal measures can serve as a reminder for all families of how important it is to ensure that care planning is part of a comprehensive estate plan for every individual. Georgia residents who are unsure of what a plan for long-term care might involve can consult the legal advice of an experienced professional. An attorney who has extensive knowledge of estate planning can offer guidance and peace of mind for older individuals and those who love them.
