A video monitoring system allows a caregiver to remotely watch and listen to the person under care. (Getty Images) If you need to regularly check on people under your care but you can’t be physically present, a home security video monitoring system might be useful. Companies are flooding the market with small, comparatively inexpensive cameras that, in most cases, allow you to see and hear the people who are being monitored. Things to consider: But before you do anything, make sure the person in your care is willing to be watched. In some cases, a person might not be healthy enough to say yes or no. These are serious privacy issues. You also should discuss where the cameras would be placed. The bedroom and bathroom seem like natural spots, especially if you’re watching older people with mobility problems. But the person might object to being watched in those rooms. And be careful with terminology. Many companies refer to the cameras as “granny cams” or “nanny cams” — terms many people find to be demeaning. Where to start: There are many video monitoring systems on the market, and you can review many of your options at electronics stores and online commerce sites. In general, costs range from less than $100 to thousands of dollars. Questions to ask: How easy or difficult is it to set up the video monitoring system? Do not take a company’s word for it. Read the product reviews that typically appear on sites like Amazon. Does the company selling the equipment charge a monthly fee for the use or operation of the video monitoring system? And would the purchaser have to pay cancellation fees? Are the cameras powered by electrical cords, or with batteries? It’s easy to trip over a cord. On the other hand, someone has to periodically change the batteries, if that’s what’s used. Does the home video system feature security software that can be updated to deter hackers?
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