With the first trial of CCTV cameras in aged care homes taking place, a new survey is assessing the views and attitudes of facility staff and family members in installing surveillance.
Edith Cowan University in Western Australia is conducting a survey to see if those questioned think the use of CCTV cameras will improve the safety of aged care residents.
A previous Edith Cowan University pilot study at a Perth aged care facility, found that 57% of family members and 38% of residents would like CCTV used in public spaces and 48% of family members and 25% 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 trial of CCTV in aged care recently started at two aged care 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.
To complete the Australia-wide survey, which is open until August, click here.
