New Jersey expands safe care cam program to nursing homes

New Jersey is expanding its safe care cam program designed to protect the elderly to nursing homes, Attorney General Christopher Porrino announced at a news conference Tuesday.
Residents can borrow the hidden cameras to keep an eye on loved ones in nursing homes and institutional care facilities. Previously, the cameras were for use only in private homes in order to monitor caregivers.
“[The elderly] are among our most vulnerable,” Porrino said. “Someone who’s thinking about stealing or being rough with a patient needs to think twice, because now there may be a camera rolling… recording their every move."
In addition, the state will no longer allow home health aide applicants to begin working in homes until the Board of Nursing reviews the results of criminal background checks.
Residents who want to borrow a hidden camera should call 973-504-6375 and leave a message or call 800-242-5846.
The Associated Press wire services contributed to this report.