How is the property of the elderly protected in nursing homes?
A break-in at the reception of a nursing home for the elderly in Maribor, a missing wallet, a fur coat, jewelry, and a toiletry bag. These are some of the stolen items reported by relatives at various nursing homes in Ljubljana. The media Preiskovalno.si reported on how the personal belongings of the elderly are protected in Ljubljana’s nursing homes. In one case, they hired a detective agency. We examined where surveillance cameras are used and to what extent video surveillance is appropriate in elderly care facilities. Is monitoring in nursing homes a tool for safety or an invasion of privacy?
In Slovenia, filming residents in their rooms is not permitted. In addition to various rights that are protected (the right to privacy, the right to personal data protection), one of the most important is the right to dignity. More than half of the elderly in nursing homes have dementia. While thefts are possible, our findings show that Ljubljana’s nursing homes have an established system for monitoring, responding, and cooperating with the police and relatives. Most often, the elderly misplace their personal items. However, in certain cases of theft, homes have already handed over video surveillance footage to the police upon request.
The Information Commissioner and the Courts
One of the nursing homes approached the Information Commissioner (IC) about implementing video surveillance in a residential unit for 24 residents and 13 employees. The proposed cameras would cover main entrances to the facility and two exits leading to a grassy area. They explained that the surveillance would solely aim to ensure the safety of people and property. The IC did not prohibit installing surveillance at the entrances and external areas. However, the IC pointed out that institutions caring for the elderly are legally obligated, according to Administrative Court ruling II U 195/2014, to ensure the 24-hour presence of appropriately trained staff, which cannot be replaced by video surveillance. A more detailed response from the IC is available here.
Theft and Surveillance in Ljubljana’s Nursing Homes
Nursing Home Moste
In the event of theft or loss reported by residents, appropriate action is taken. This year, there was one reported theft, which is still under police investigation. Residents sometimes misplace items, which are usually found the same or the following day. The home is equipped with cameras in compliance with legislation, allowing for the protection of residents, staff, visitors, the property, and its surroundings. Cameras are not installed in residents’ rooms, restrooms, elevators, offices, or staff changing rooms, in line with legal restrictions.
Nursing Home Fužine
In the past two years, residents have not reported any thefts. Occasionally, a misplaced wallet is found in a room. If thefts occurred, they would likely report them to the police. Surveillance covers the main entrance, parking areas, and side exits (fire escapes), which could potentially allow unauthorized entry.
Nursing Home Vič-Rudnik
Resident safety, including the security of their belongings, is a priority. Residents and their relatives are informed about secure storage options for valuables and money upon admission. If items are lost or stolen, reports are documented and forwarded to the social services department, which assists in locating the items. If unresolved, the police are notified. Surveillance cameras monitor key points, but they are not installed in changing rooms, elevators, restrooms, or residents’ rooms. In 2023, 12 reports of lost items or money were documented across two units, while six were recorded in 2024. Efforts are made to minimize such incidents, including discussions with residents about safeguarding valuables and organizing self-protection workshops with local police.
Nursing Home Bežigrad
One of the primary tasks is ensuring the safety and privacy of residents. Upon admission, residents and relatives are informed about handling valuables and money during their stay. They are also advised on storage options to ease their concerns. This year, residents reported missing money or personal items three times. Incidents are immediately investigated, with support from a social worker. If unresolved, cases are reported to the police. The video surveillance system complies with regulations and covers entrances, exits, and the home’s surrounding areas. Cameras are not installed in staff changing rooms, elevators, restrooms, or residents’ rooms.
Nursing Home Šiška
Residents often report missing money or personal items, which are always taken seriously and investigated. Most cases involve misplaced items, often recovered with the help of relatives. At the end of last year and early this year, residents reported six incidents of missing money or items, which were reported to the police. Following these incidents, a detective agency was hired to investigate, and results were shared with the police. A past case involved a staff member withdrawing money from a resident’s account without consent, leading to termination and a conditional two-year prison sentence. Surveillance is limited to entrances and not installed inside the facility.
Nursing Home Center
Residents occasionally report missing clothes, often found in another room, storage, or laundry. If money is missing, the social services department assists in resolving the issue and contacts the police if necessary. Upon admission, residents are advised against bringing large sums of money or valuables. Those without relatives can store items in a secure vault. Video surveillance covers shared spaces and entrances but not residents’ private rooms or staff areas.
Nursing Homes in the Maribor Area
According to the Maribor Police Department, several thefts occurred in nursing homes in July and August, including cash thefts and a break-in causing damages estimated at €2,500. No further thefts were reported until November.
Video Surveillance and Abuse, Not Theft
Discussions about video surveillance in nursing homes often arise in cases of abuse rather than theft. For example, when a caregiver pinched a resident and shared the footage on TikTok, questions arose about hidden abuse behind closed doors. Where is the line between safety and privacy?
Darinka Klemenc from the Association for Decent Aging emphasizes that surveillance or monitoring does not belong in nursing homes, especially without resident consent. Cases of staff abuse often go unreported, as residents fear retaliation or feel ashamed.
European Union
EU laws regulate video surveillance under GDPR and other human rights laws. Filming residents in their rooms is generally prohibited, except in exceptional circumstances, such as severe dementia, where consent is obtained, and safety risks are present.
United States
Some U.S. states permit cameras in nursing home rooms under specific conditions. For example, Missouri’s 2020 law allows cameras if all roommates consent and the family covers costs. These measures aim to balance privacy with safety.
