Advice for both care home providers and families of those in care on using cameras to monitor staff is set to be published.
The Care Quality Commission (CQC) will provide official guidance on setting up covert surveillance amid recent high-profile scandals concerning care homes.
The guidance is expected to be released by the end of the month, in a move some may see as the CQC endorsing secret cameras.
CQC chief inspector of adult social care Andrea Sutcliffe said: “We expect to publish information for providers, as well as for members of the public, on the issues to consider if they are thinking of using cameras – both secretly and openly – as an option to monitor care for themselves, a loved one, or someone within their care.
“While cameras may have a role to play, what is most important is that care is provided safely, effectively and compassionately and that staff are recruited, trained and supported to do this.”
Both care home managers and concerned members of the public will have access to the guidance.
Davina Ludlow, director of the care-home directory carehome.co.uk warned that encouraging the use of secret filming will create a “big-brother culture”. She believes that the way to improve the care system is through education and support, the Telegraph reported.
The CQC hope that the guidance – alongside a range of new measures aimed at overhauling England’s care homes and domiciliary care providers – will work towards restoring public trust in the system.