Recommendations for a hidden camera?
Recommendations for a hidden camera?
My mom is in assisted living and I have a suspicion that the staff, or perhaps a resident, is taking her money. I need something that won't look out of place and isn't easily disabled, maybe it plays possum when unplugged but has battery backup. Anyone have any advice?
Just remember that if the staff find out that you apparently trust none of them and believe that they are - potentially - thieves there is a possibility that the level and quality of care your mother receives could diminish. Also, I assume you’ve checked the legality of filming this way in your jurisdiction.
I don't think this is true. Most people in health and elder care would rather do their job than risk getting fired or sued because of a rude client.
I’m not suggesting for one second that the mother would have a negative care experience. I’m just stating the obvious that some people would no longer do those extra little things. I notice in some of the care homes I go to that some residents are called by name and some are referred to by room number. All of them have their needs met - just some are treated more compassionately and others are treated only professionally.
On the other hand it can lead to the nursing home ending the contract due to this - hidden surveillance of staff is definitely a reason to do so. They can also prohibit OP from entering the premises.
Put in a non-hidden camera.
This. Go ahead and tell everyone that you are worried about your mother and would like to see her anytime and check on her for your own peace of mind. Post a clear, preferably large, sign up front that there's an active camera in the room. But do not insist on it. That'll tell you all you need to know about the staff very quickly.
For the camera, use a regular old wifi-enabled baby monitor (App-controlled for best results) and connect it to a mobile Internet router. These routers have internal logs - learn how to access them, then check them (remotely, after setting up security in them) at intervals for suspicious reboot events.
If she's well enough to consent to this, have her consent. Then install the cameras in such a way that her privacy is not eroded. For example, camera A only sees the door into the room, camera B only sees the night stand, camera C only sees the wardrobe. That sort of thing. Then instruct her to always keep her valuables in a location where at least one camera can monitor.
Assuming you live in the United States, you need to be aware of the laws in the state you live in. Many states are one party consent when it comes to recording. Which means if you and I are having a conversation, you can record it without telling me. One party has consented.
If on the other hand, you install a camera without your mom's knowledge, then you are not one of the two parties. This "evidence" could be thrown out of court as it is "illegally aquired".
Not to say you shouldn't do it. Protect your mom's property. I would just suggest looking into the local laws about it. I am also not a lawyer so you should look into your local laws or consult a lawyer.
IANAL, but I believe these laws cover audio recording only. OP shouldn’t have an issue if they use something that records video only.
Think about it a second. I live in a two party consent state, but I see security & surveillance cameras everywhere. If two party consent was required for video then they wouldn’t be there.
The problem isn't just that it will be thrown out in court, it's that it itself is illegal.
Which doesn't necessarily mean don't do it but you're limited in how you can reveal how you know things are being stolen etc.
Agreed. I'm not entirely (barely) versed in the law, but at the very least, if it's a one party consent state, his mom would "have to set it up".
What's less clear to me is why the drastic action? Start by leaving a 20 on the dresser and see if it stays there.
Did you Google this? They have cameras that look like phone chargers. Also, install a non hidden camera and a hidden one.
There are hidden cameras that look like power strips.
Wyze cameras are really cheap.
Im curious what you mean by "plays possum". Because if it doesn't have a battery backup it wont work very well unplugged. Been looking at cameras for the house lately, and have yet to find one that flips over and sticks its legs in the air when unplugged.
Maybe he meant the red indicator light turns off when it's unplugged but continues recording until the battery runs out
That's how I read what they wrote.
Yes that's what I meant
My middle school used alarm clock cameras to spy on us. Cheap-o's couldn't be bothered to buy real cameras. I don't have a link, but it's just an idea
Ideas are what I'm looking for. Clock camera is a good idea
You don’t have any other idea to check if the thing is happening?
Do you have any ideas? How would you detect theft of cash when the owner of the cash doesn’t trust their own memory?
Hide behind the curtain?