Granny Cams

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If you have reason to suspect your loved one is being abused, neglected, or exploited while living in a nursing home, call the local Ombudsman office at 866-842-9230 (toll-free in New Mexico). An Ombudsman will investigate to determine if a granny cam will be helpful and if so, will explain the process of using a Program granny cam.

New Mexico law allows residents of long-term care facilities or their surrogates to monitor the care that residents receive in their rooms with audio and video equipment.

Also, a state regulation requires that facilities notify residents about their right to install the equipment and make reasonable efforts to assist in the installation, such as providing access to power sources and a secure space to mount the device. The facilities also are required to match residents with roommates who support having monitoring equipment in their rooms.

Residents or their representatives are required to notify the facility when the monitoring device is installed and to receive the consent of any roommates.

Residents or their families are required to pay the costs of the equipment and installation, but the Aging and Long-Term Services Department is identifying funds to help families who cannot afford the cost of the equipment. For more information on borrowing a camera, email Ombudsman Sondra Everhart or call 866-842-9230 (toll-free in New Mexico).