Surveillance cameras in nursing homes a tricky issue for some

While Quebec considers allowing residents to install cameras in long-term care homes, New Brunswickersinterviewed Tuesday were divided on whether thisprovince should pursue a similar protection against elder abuse.

Under the Quebec proposal, nursing home residents could decide for themselves if they wanted cameras in their rooms, without getting permission from administrators.

• Cameras could be coming to Quebec long-term care homes

Guildo Thibodeau, whose late father livedat the Domaine des Btisseurs home in Edmundston, said he would support similar camera legislation for New Brunswick.

The Edmundston home has faced its share of complaints, and Thibodeau, who spoke out about his concerns, is still on a committee promotingbetter treatment of residents there.

Thibodeausaid surveillance cameras might be necessary in some cases.

''It's not against employees, or the home's administration,'' Thibodeau said. ''It's to know the undeniable truth.''

But not everyone shared his opinion.

France Boss, whose mother is in the same Edmundston home, believes the addition of cameras goestoo far.

''I'd rather be able to trustpeople and have peace of mind,'' said Boss. ''But with everything that happens, maybe this would be an option.''

Privacy concerns

Justin Wies,a lawyer with the New Brunswick Association of Nursing Homes,believes the use of cameras in nursing homes is a complex question with many factors to consider.

''It's very tricky to make sure the person making the decision, if not the resident themselves, is acting in the best interest of the resident,'' Wies said.

New Brunswick has a good system in place forreporting and investigating allegations of neglect or abuse, Wies said, and he would rather do without cameras because of privacy concerns.

''It's certainly not the only solution, and it may not be the most appropriate solution.''