Can I Place a Hidden Camera in a Nursing Home?

What are the laws regarding nanny cams and other hidden cameras in Texas nursing homes and retirement homes?

Placing a loved one to a nursing home is a reality for many families. These facilities usually have nurses and caregivers whose duty it is to take care of the needs of their residents. However, there are few rotten apples in the system, and nursing home abuse is an unfortunate reality for some. Reports of mistreatment and cruelty have been widely reported in the media with such cases rising with each passing year. If you have a parent or loved one in a nursing home, this can make you feel powerless and scared, leaving you scrambling for solutions.
Surreptitious (hidden) video recording is a popular topic when it comes to nursing homes. In Texas, the law actually specifically allows you to do this. This way, you can come up with hard evidence detailing any mistreatment you might find. Armed with this evidence, you’ll be able to approach a lawyer for legal assistance so you can file a lawsuit against the nursing home.
Mistreatment in a nursing home can take on many forms. For example, a dementia patient who needs round-the-clock care may be subjected to taunts, shoves, name calling, slaps and other form of abuse by people who were supposed to care for her. This can lead to injury or even wrongful death. By placing a hidden camera (IE: nanny cam) or audio device in your loved one’s room, you can document the mistreatment and bring the culprits to justice.
It’s important to note that despite the fact that Texas allows covert video recording, there are certain conditions which need to followed:

1. The nursing home needs to be given prior notice.
2. The nursing home needs to be released from liability for violation of the resident’s privacy rights.
3. Written consent from the resident’s roommate (if applicable).
4. Assumption that the person installing surveillance will be responsible for the cost of installation, maintenance and internet access by the resident.
5. There needs to be a conspicuous note with the room, time and date stamps showing that the room is being monitored.

Your loved ones deserve a high level of care taking into account their privacy and comfort. If you suspect that someone you know is being mistreated in a nursing home, please get in touch with us for a free consultation so we can help you get justice and compensation for you and your family.