A local Fox network affiliate in Arlington, Texas has recently “gone viral” with the results of their investigation into suspected nursing home abuse and neglect. All should be forewarned, however, that the story contains a link with a video segment from the investigative report that features video clips of the alleged abuse and neglect caught on hidden cameras. These portions of footage, (including shots of a nurse purportedly pulling a resident by the hair), as one can imagine, are rather unsettling.

One question that often arises from these reports — and one that we’ve dealt with before on this blog — is whether it is a good idea to try similar covert camera placement if you suspect your loved one is being abused or neglected in a nursing home.

While it may be tempting to consider doing so — after all, the sort of negative publicity on a large scale that these stories bring is often times the only thing that nursing homes respond to — these are situations where the risks outweigh the benefits.

If you have any inkling that your loved one may be the victim of abuse or neglect while in a nursing home, then report the facility to the proper authorities — the Illinois Department of Public Health is usually where to start — and take whatever steps are necessary to get your loved one out of there. It’s important to remember that negative publicity isn’t the only way to hurt a nursing home for their sub-standard care.

Taking your loved one out of a facility hits a nursing home in its wallet, which can be just as effective of a remedy, and one that doesn’t carry with it the risks accompanying these secret camera tactics. That isn’t to say that the person who took this risk and placed the hidden camera in this facility shouldn’t be commended — they should, as it probably saved someone’s life down the road — but the risks that come with it shouldn’t be dismissed either.

You can contact us here 24/7/365 (and we really mean that as we will answer our phone) if you have anyquestions and to learn how we may be able to help you or your loved one who has been a victim of nursing home abuse or neglect – in particular, you will find that we listen, take your phone calls and e-mails (and even text messages!). We would be honored to help you with your matters – large or small.