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Dementia & Alzheimer's
CCTV cameras in elderly parent's house
StillWalking · 11/11/2021 11:21
My friend "Lucy" has asked me for an opinion on a situation in her life and I'm not sure what to think. On balance I think what she is doing is intrusive and wrong, and have told her so, but would welcome opinions.
Lucy's father lives alone and is developing dementia. Some days he seems fine, and goes about his life more or less normally (shopping, gardening etc) and other days he is clearly confused, forgetful and disorientated. This is not helped by the fact he has also started drinking heavily and is often quite drunk to the point where he has had falls in the past.
She is 10 miles away and has siblings who also live at a distance, so the main caring responsibilities fall to her. She does not visit daily. Yesterday she showed me "what dad's getting up to" on her phone! and showed me real time images of dad watching TV in his sitting room. He seemed calm and happy. She and her sibling have installed CCTV monitoring in dad's house which she can watch at leisure on an app on her phone. The cameras are in dad's living room, kitchen, hallway, bedroom and upstairs landing. They give pictures and can also pick up sounds so she can hear what he's saying, watching on TV etc.
The cameras have been installed without his permission and, as far as she knows, he doesn't know they are there. I pointed out to her that I'm not sure that this is even legal, even in these circumstances! (Correct me if I'm wrong). She maintains that they are for dad's safety and best interests, and it's absolutely fine that she and her sibling can watch over him from a distance whilst getting on with their own lives.
Before anyone says it, yes I know this is actually none of my business, but Lucy has asked me for my views on the matter and I would welcome any insights. Thank you.
FlibbertyGiblets · 11/11/2021 11:27
What is the alternative?
I think the cameras are a pragmatic approach. Couple with a Falls Alarm bracelet, a daily well-being call service and a dosette box weekly delivery by the pharmacist, alongside a meals on wheels type service, all good in my eyes.
FlibbertyGiblets · 11/11/2021 11:28
Nb a note pinned to the door THESE PREMISES HAVE CCTV INSTALLED or similar might be needed, the family ought to look that up.
PanicBuyingSprouts · 17/11/2021 07:21
I'm not sure it's legal either but yes, they do need to put a notice up, maybe on the Ford saying that the premises have CCTV.
PanicBuyingSprouts · 17/11/2021 07:27
But also agree that although technically it might not be legal, I bet it's bloody useful.
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