News

Janie Hayes who runs Freckleton Lodge, contacted Care Campaign for the Vulnerable to tell us they have CCTV in their facility and why she feels it plays a very important part in the day to day running of their care home. Here, Janie tells us why.

''We have CCTV installed in ALL communal areas of our dementia care home. This gives families peace of mind by knowing we operate in a totally transparent way. We believe, it not only safeguards our residents but protects staff alike. Since having the CCTV we have had no issues. Family members are all happy and feel protected when choosing us to deliver care to their loved ones. Staff who are employed at the home feel safe when providing care also. Consent was gained by all who use our service before we were able to activate, we are regulated by the ICO and I feel like the homeowner and manager safe in the knowledge that we can be transparent and people are being cared for in a respectful and dignified manner.
We are a family-owned and managed dementia care home, and even families of some residents have DBS checks and now volunteer at the home. We know we will never be people's home, but we are striving to be the next best thing to their own home. We have been open since September 2015, and have had no issues or complaints since having the CCTV installed. I myself have worked in dementia care homes since leaving school, and have been witness to poor care, which is why we worked our way up the care sector to own and manage our own in a more person-centred way. Our residents are not "Sufferers" of dementia but they " live" with the condition, in a home where they feel free, safe and loved. We are lucky to have a good team, and they all are made aware of the CCTV before starting work, and new visitors to the home are also, we have not had any member of the family against this, quite the opposite.
Families, staff and of course the residents of the home feel protected, I believe this should be a mandatory regulation to have CCTV in care homes.