To increase protection of its elderly and disabled citizens from abuse and neglect, the state of New Jersey is expanding its Safe Care Cam program to nursing homes, residences for the developmentally disabled, and other institutional care facilities. The Safe Care Cam program loans free surveillance cameras to New Jersey residents to monitor the treatment provided by caregivers. The cameras are provided for free 30-day loans to families who suspect or question whether a care provider is abusing or neglecting their loved one.
Media coverage of abuse or neglect by caregivers caught on hidden cameras has increased public awareness and concern for the elderly and disabled. The Safe Care Cam program was launched in December 2016 and was initially available only to New Jersey residents who wanted to keep an eye on their loved ones who were living in a private home and receiving in-home care. Attorney General Christopher S. Porrino and the Division of Consumer Affairs announced the plan to expand the Safe Care Cam Program to include institutional care facilities. Extending the Safe Care Cam program will permit greater oversight of caregivers and how they treat the elderly and disabled when they think no one is watching.
If you suspect a family member is being abused or neglected, consider taking advantage of the groundbreaking Safe Care Cam program.
In another patient safety initiative announced by Attorney General Porrino and the Division of Consumer Affairs, home health aides in New Jersey will no longer be able to begin work in private homes until their criminal background checks are reviewed by the Board of Nursing. Previously, Certified Home Health Aide (“CHHA”) applicants could work for up 120 days on conditional certifications pending the results of their background checks.
