You want to keep your Residential Care Facility for the Elderly (RCFE) secure. Security cameras can help you there. After all, they have “security” in the name.
It’s certainly true that camera surveillance can mitigate risks for RCFEs. But it’s also true that establishing a camera monitoring system introduces new risks.
That means security cameras can affect your insurance rates in both directions. A strong, secure, consent-backed system can lower your insurance premiums. But if insurers have concerns about privacy or data security, they might classify you as higher-risk. That makes for more expensive premiums.
Let’s look at both sides of this coin, and what you can do to maximize upside while minimizing risk.
Security camera insurance benefits
A consistent, properly stored video feed of your common areas can reduce risks in a number of ways. You can capture video proof that helps you avoid false liability claims. If someone tries to sue you for a slip-and-fall that didn’t really happen, for example, the video could clear your name. With a record of what occurred, insurance claims often process faster, too.
Video surveillance can also discourage negligence among your staff. When they know there will be a visual record of how they act, they’re more likely to fulfill their job responsibilities.
When your team offers proper care protocols and it gets captured on video, you have a strong foundation to defend against lawsuits. Plus, of course, cameras can be helpful in the event of theft. Because of this, insurance providers may offer discounts to RCFEs with good security camera systems.
The liability concerns with security cameras
The biggest concern for captured footage centers around privacy concerns. You’re legally allowed to record visual footage in areas where people can’t have a reasonable expectation of privacy. That includes common areas (dining rooms, activity rooms), hallways, entrances, and exits. Outdoor areas are also generally safe to record.
If you’re going to record in any private areas, even shared spaces like hospice or dementia areas, you need to get resident consent.
Wherever you set up cameras, don’t collect audio recordings. It’s illegal to record private conversations without two-way consent under California Penal Code 632.
Also, be advised that installing cameras can open you up to liability claims because other parties can argue that you should have known something was going on. If residents are regularly getting into altercations and you catch that on camera, for example, you could be held liable for negligence if it escalates.
Best practices for security systems at RCFEs
If you want to install a security camera system, implementing some measures helps you turn it into an asset, not a liability.
- Establish strong cybersecurity measures for any recorded footage
- Go through consent procedures with all of your residents
- Record visual-only footage to avoid capturing private conversations
- Post clear signage anywhere you will be recording informing people about the camera
- Keep cameras out of private areas (bedrooms, bathrooms) and sensitive areas (e.g., hospice or dementia care units)
- Establish a system to keep recordings in case they’re needed future claims
- Train any staff that will interact with the security system on privacy concerns and proper storage
We have experience helping RCFEs use security cameras to realize benefits with their RCFE insurance. For support there, contact our team at InsureMyRCFE at (805) 413-5668 today.
