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I do believe my mother is getting abused in a nursing home. I was wondering if it was legal for me to put in a spy cam directly on her and only her so I can see what’s going on. I live in the state of Nebraska.

"do NOT split tablets that are not scored unless your doctor or pharmacist has given you the okay to do this. Some tablets may be extended-release, enteric-coated or have other characteristics that might affect how the tablet is absorbed or works if you cut it in half. "

This goes for crushing pills too. I would report that pills are not being handed to Mom and made sure she takes them. Same with her breathing treatments, the nurse should be the one making sure Mom is doing them and correctly. I have a feeling, because you are in the room, you will handle this. Make the DON again aware of what is going on. Tell her its not your responsibility that Mom gets her pills or her treatments. And it should be at least an LPN giving pills and treatments. CNAs cannot distribute meds unless a Medtech. If things don't improve, you may need to find another place.
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Alvadeer
she is a two person left. I’ve seen one person come in and put her on the toilet and drop her more than one time and she has bruises on her butt from that. She also can’t swallow and I’ve told every nurse on staff that I can find and the DON that her medication needs to be put in pudding or applesauce because she chokes on trying to swallow it. Well when I was there the other day the nurse came in and set her pills on her little counter table thing did not break the pain pill in half. It was not input. It was not an applesauce so I seen my mom about choke trying to swallow these pills to get out of pain. Also, her breathing treatments were just laying on the table and she walks out so I break my mom‘s pill in half watch her take it and how hard it is for her to take it and then give her her breathing treatments thank God I know a little bit about what I’m doing, but it did piss me off that she just left everything there and walked out
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ShirleyDot Apr 11, 2025
You are an eye witness to staff taking shortcuts. I would document this with supervisors immediately every time something happens.
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I came to the conclusion that there should be cameras openly placed by the facility in each of the patient rooms and common areas and elevators and hallways. Staff would be on notice that they are being monitored.

I don't see that there is anything wrong with doing this. We are surveilled the moment we leave our homes. What is the difference if it is in a facility. We have them in stores, banks, etc.

Yes there are privacy concerns but we don't have any these days anyway and protecting the vulnerable should be a priority.
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Raylett7 Apr 14, 2025
Agreed
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In general, whether it’s legal to install a camera in a nursing home room depends on state law and specific facility policies. State laws vary. Some states have specific laws that allow or regulate the use of surveillance cameras in nursing home rooms. These laws often require notice or consent from the resident. They may require notification to roommates, if any. They could require signage or disclosure to staff. In California, where I live, laws do allow it under certain conditions. Other states may prohibit it or be silent on the issue, which can lead to complications.

Consent is usually required. If the resident is mentally competent, she would need to consent to the camera. If the resident is not competent, a legal representative, like someone with durable power of attorney or a guardian, may give consent on the resident’s behalf. If the resident has a roommate, their consent is usually required too.

Even if state law allows cameras, the nursing home’s policy may place limits or require advanced notice. Some may not permit hidden cameras but allow visible ones. A visible, consented to camera is more likely to be legal and accepted. A hidden camera may violate privacy laws, especially if consent wasn’t given, and could lead to legal trouble—even if the goal is to catch abuse.

I recommend that you check your state’s laws about electronic monitoring in long term care facilities, consult an elder law attorney or your state’s long term care ombudsman program for guidance, and report suspicions of abuse immediately to the local Adult Protective Services (APS) or the state licensing agency that oversees nursing homes.

I hope this information helps you take the next steps with confidence.
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What proof do you have or suspicion that mom is being abused?
If you have proof you need to report the abuse.
And ANY suspicion of abuse can be reported, it will be investigated.

You also have to identify WHERE the abuse is occurring.
A camera will not show abuse that is happening outside her room.

ALEXA can be used and you can "drop in" on her and listen to what is going on.
In most states a camera would be permitted but you have to check if 2 person consent is needed for audio. You may have to get permission from the facility to install cameras. Check your mom's contract they may have a clause in there about cameras.

Sometimes it is easier to ask forgiveness than permission. (in other words, install cameras first and see what happens)
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Reply to Grandma1954
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Thanks I will get in trouble to save my mom from abuse.
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AlvaDeer Apr 10, 2025
Raylett, I think yes, we can identify with that thought.
Can you tell us a bit more about what abuse you are seeing or hearing about, and how you are hearing these facts?
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If you put it on her, they will find it.

How do you think your mother is being abused? What kind of proof do you have? Have you spoken to the Director of Nursing, the facility Director? The Ombudsman would be the first person I contacted. They oversee nursing homes and can investigate. APS would be called if I thought her life was in danger.
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Please consult APS with your PROOF of abuse.
No, you likely cannot put spy cams on the premises of a facility without notification to the facility itself that they are being installed; you would use your wish to have a camera you can consult on a daily basis to reassure yourself Mom is safe and thriving.
You may consult an ombudsman.
You may consult and provide evidence of suspicious behavior to APS.
You may consult an attorney.
You may consult sheriff office or police department to discuss and get guidance.

You tell us nothing her of what you suspect, see, witness, are told that concerns you.
Do know that when you DO consult authorities that evidence will be required. Start a diary now.
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Raylett7 Apr 10, 2025
Thanks so much I appreciate you.
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You can start by reading the facility contract, it is most likey mentioned in there. Other than that you would need to consult with an attorney because the "privacy" rules vary by state and this is a global forum.

What type of abuse are you suspecting? Is she telling you things? Or are you seeing bruises on her body? The staff are mandated reporters so even if one employee was doing it, others who notice it would need to report what they're seeing.

More info would be helpful. I'm sorry for this distressing situation. I hope she isn't being abused.
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Since she’s in a care facility, which by definition requires caregivers to attend to her, the camera wouldn’t be only on her but also on them. Your stated purpose is to find out if they are abusing her. It’s illegal, if they are. Most caregivers wouldn’t abuse their patients because it’s not only against the law but they could lose their jobs. Plus most of them want to help their patients, not hurt them.

You’d better get well acquainted with your state law on this matter, because you don’t want to do something illegal. Then YOU would be the one in trouble, not them.
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