CCTV in aged care? New survey

The researchers are surveying residential aged care facility staff and family members to understand their views and attitudes on CCTV.

A previous ECU pilot study at one Perth aged care facility, found that 57 per cent of family members and 38 per cent of residents would like CCTV used in public spaces and 48 per cent of family members and 25 per cent of residents would like it used in bedrooms.

"We want to identify people's concerns and opinions of surveillance in the residential aged care sector, how it may be used, for what purposes and if the use of cameras may be beneficial for private or common areas or both," said lead researcher Dr Caroline Vafeas.

"We are also seeking to understand how family members of residents and staff feel about the current level of safety and quality of care and how this is being monitored by aged care facilities.

"The rights, privacy and safety of residents should be at the very heart of any decisions."

An Australian-first trial of CCTV in aged care recently started at two nursing homes in South Australia - Northgate House and Mount Pleasant.

Residents are able to choose whether to have their bedroom recording devices activated or not and can opt-in or out at any time.

The survey at www.ecu.edu.au (search for aged care) is open until August and responses from all states are welcome. Anyone who cannot complete the survey online can contact Dr Caroline Vafeas on 08-6304-3482.