Talk to staff before setting up CCTV in aged-care homes, watchdog head Janet Anderson says

The aged-care safety commissioner says she has an “open-mind” about CCTV cameras in aged-care homes — but families should speak to management first.

Families considering installing secret cameras inside their loved ones’ rooms at aged-care homes have been urged to consult with care providers, Aged Care Quality and Safety Commissioner Janet Anderson says.

As the Aged Care Royal Commission continues to hear evidence of abuse inside facilities across the country, Ms Anderson says she has an “open mind” about CCTV cameras but raises the issue of consent.

She says the strongest form of prevention is a conversation between the consumer, their family and the provider about the care.

Janet Anderson

“I can certainly understand why some families have felt the need to install these cameras. If it happens, I honestly believe it’s better to be done in the open,” Ms Anderson said.

“My strong recommendation is that they raise that directly and without delay with the management and the staff of that service and articulate their concerns.

“Staff need to have an understanding if they are the subject of surveillance just as consumers and family members would.”

Her advice comes as the first new quality and safety standards in 20 years, designed to put consumers at the forefront, are implemented on Monday, July 1.

Ms Anderson said providers have had a year to review their services, and should be ready for the watchdog to test them against the new standards.

“The standards are definitely a reflection of the community’s expectations in aged care,” she said.

Unannounced visits by the aged-care watchdog for reaccreditation or assessment contact began in July 2018 and has led to an increase in fines for noncompliance.

“I think it was an important step. It has reinforced the legitimate expectation that the quality and safety of care should be on a 24/7 basis,” Ms Anderson said.

The $300 million Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission, which began in January, has also received more than 15,000 calls for information and assistance in its first five months which its head said was “astonishing”.

More than 6000 calls were complaints, however Ms Anderson warned while the issues remained the same, an increase in complaints didn’t mean an increase in problems.

She also plans to push ahead with industry reforms saying she will not wait for the Aged Care Royal Commission which is due to release its findings in October.

“My job is to hold a provider to account for delivering safe quality care, which is allowing consumers to live their best life,” she said.