Should Body Camera's Be Introduced For Care Workers?

'To know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived. This is to have succeeded.'

- Ralph Waldo Emerson

Today someone shared a post on Facebook of a care worker smoking and on the phone while the elderly man she was caring for was sat in his wheelchair with multiple bags on top on him.

Photo shared by a member of the public directly to Mencap via Facebook.

This woman apparently works, or should I say worked for Mencap as a care worker (She has since been suspended).  

It broke my heart when I saw this photo. To be honest I have seen multiple headlines of vulnerable people being let down, humiliated and even abused by care workers. 

Some of the headlines I have fallen across have been horrific; 

Care worker struck off after arriving for shift while drunk.

Seaford care worker ‘watched and laughed as husband beat children’

Health care worker who raided Alzheimer's patient's bank.

A care worker has been jailed for two-and-a-half years after he sexually assaulted an "utterly defenceless" woman with advanced cancer.

Direct Care Worker Arrested For Sexual Assault

Former assisted care worker pleads guilty to patient abuse

Three care workers caught on camera assaulting an elderly dementia sufferer

A CALLOUS carer was caught stealing cash from a 75-year-old

Now before I continue I would just like to make it clear that I know majority of care workers are good people and it's a job they deserve huge respect for as it must be very difficult. I do actually know a few care workers and thankfully they are good people who would never do anything like the above, to the people who depended on them. 

After seeing this recent post of the poor gentleman in the above photo being treated in such a disrespectful manner, it made me think of a conversation I recently had with my fiance. We were discussing that Police in certain areas were now wearing body camera's and they were wanting to roll it out across the whole of the UK. 

Back in 2014 a trial of 500 devices were being distributed to officers across 10 London boroughs. The pilot scheme came about after the death of Mark Duggan back in 2011 due to the criticism the Police received over his death. The camera's were designed to capture evidence. 

As expected many Police Officers felt under suspicion. I'm sure 99% of the Police Force are decent human beings that chose this career to serve and protect. Just I expect many care workers chose their profession to care for and protect vulnerable people, make a difference to their lives and make it a little be easier for them.  

As expected there were and are many criticisms of Police wearing body camera's. 

Officers would store material from each incident and keep it on file for a month unless it is required for evidential purposes. They were simply brought in to protect the officers, the victims and (unfortunately) the criminals. 

It also has shown positive results such as showing officers at their best, dealing with difficult and dangerous situations every day, but it will also provide clearer evidence when it's been alleged that we got things wrong.

It appears since 2014 that there has been an increase in body camera's within the Police force.

Anyway the reason I mentioned this was simply to ask, do you think it would be beneficial for the care worker and the vulnerable person if body camera's were introduced? 

Personally I think it would. It would protect both the care worker and the patient. If a care worker is accused of something they did not do, they would have proof of their evidence. And if a vulnerable was subject to some form of abuse it could be used as evidence to prosecute.  

It is sad that because of a minority of people, the majority have to suffer. There are many amazing people out there who care for young, elderly and vulnerable people. And I understand a lot of the good one's would be annoyed and upset at the idea of body camera's when they have done nothing wrong. But then again, why worry when you have nothing to hide. 

It is becoming more and more common for family members to place secret camera's within the rooms and homes of the people being cared for. Usually the staff and the patient are completely unaware they are being filmed. 

Wouldn't you rather know, be in control?

Wouldn't you rather put up with a body camera to show what a good job you are doing to save even just a few victims of bad carers? 

Not only would you be making a difference to the person you are caring for but you would also be helping to protect others. 

Anyway it was simply a random thought. I understand their would be a huge cost involved for initial start up costs of investing in the camera's and I understand this isn't even a option care companies are even thinking about at the moment. But I would love to know your thoughts on it?

Are you a care worker? Would you be okay with a scheme like this? Or would it make you mad? Do you have a family member who is cared for? Would something like this make you feel more at ease and that your loved one is in good hands? I'd love to hear your thoughts. 

Note - I would again like to make it clear that I am fully aware it is a minority of care workers who treat patients this way. I know many wonderful people in this career and I applaud you, I unfortunately do not have the emotional strength to do a job like this. Huge respect to you if you have.