NJ camera program helps expose elder abuse at facility

A home health aide is facing charges after allegedly assaulting an elderly woman at an assisted living facility in Bergen County.

News 12 Staff

Feb 12, 2019, 8:44 PM

Updated 2,065 days ago

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A home health aide is facing charges after allegedly assaulting an elderly woman at an assisted living facility in Bergen County.
The woman’s family credits New Jersey’s Safe Care Cam program for helping to expose the abuse. Mitsou Gottheim, 50, of Nanuet, New York, was caught on camera allegedly slapping the 90-year-old stroke victim’s hand and pushing her head several times.
The micro-surveillance cameras are available through the New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs to New Jersey families who suspect their loved ones are being abused by caregivers.
“The program is available to family members who are concern about how their loved one is treated. We lend out a camera for a period of about 30 days,” says acting director Paul Rodriguez. “Whether or not you can afford it on your own, we make sure that everyone has access to this technology."
Gottheim was charged with endangering the welfare of an incompetent person and simple assault.
Anyone who wishes to participate in the Safe Care Cam program should call 973-504-6375.