Is it Ethical to Use Nanny Cams to Stop Elder Abuse?

Elder abuse is a huge topic. If you take care or have ever taken care of an elderly person or if you have an elderly loved one currently in the care of others this article is a must read. Due to the over whelming reports of abuse regarding elder care a few people are fighting back. But, the question has been raised... is it ethical?

There are so many devices on the market these days to help parents spy on the nannies that come into their homes. Some are rather small items and then there are things that may not be small but are very discreet and disguised. But, they all have a purpose and do the intended job. It doesn't stop with nannies though, they are being used to catch those responsible for abusing the elderly.

Nanny Cams and Elder Abuse

It is horrifying to think that our grandmas and grandpas are being battered and abused in the places we have trusted to give them care and love. It's hard to imagine just how they get those bruises, or why they seem 'to fall' so often when they are supposed to be watched by people who have pledged to keep them from harm. It is a growing problem that is being simmered down just a bit.

The caring family members of some elderly persons are purchasing nanny cams in the form of pens and other 'normal' looking items. Then, they place these nanny cams in their rooms. Sometimes it is in their own home when a live in care taker is responsible and others are in a convalescent hospital or other elder care facility. Many have proclaimed that this type of a sting operation is unethical because "it entraps' those guilty of abuse.

So, on the one hand you have those that are guilty by visual proof stating that their rights are being exploited by the unauthorized taping and recording. On the other, you have elderly people, some of which suffer from deterioration of the mind, being abused by battery and in some cases sexual violence and neglect.

Is it Ethical?