ADVICE from the Alzheimer’s Society regarding the installation of CCTV at home to keep an eye on a loved one living with dementia says that it can be an effective form of assistive technology. 

However, there are ethical and legal issues around using security cameras to keep an eye on someone with dementia that must be taken into account.

Families, who worry about leaving a person with dementia alone, often ask if they can install CCTV cameras at home. 

Loved ones may want to check on a relative when they are not there, but is this ok?

Like so much in dementia, everyone is different, and each person's situation should be considered individually. 

But there are some clear legal and ethical issues to think about. 

We can use assistive technology as a way of enabling someone to remain independent. It can also allow people to be safer in their own home for longer.

Yet this does not automatically justify the use of CCTV. 

So, it's worth asking a few questions when thinking about home security cameras. 

Can a person with dementia consent to CCTV?

Being able to decide to have CCTV or not is an example of having the “mental capacity” to make a particular decision.

The person needs to understand what is being proposed, the practicalities, weigh up the pros and cons, and communicate a decision. 

If the person can make this decision themselves then it is theirs to make and must be respected - even if the family disagree. 

If the person lacks capacity to make this decision for themselves then the decision can be made for them. 

This can be done by an attorney or deputy, a professional such as a social worker and in some circumstances, family. 

But the decision that is made must be in the person’s “best interests”. It must also have regard to the “least restrictive” option. 

For more information visit: www.alzheimersociety.org.uk .