East Michigan News

State Sen. Jim Runestad has reintroduced a bipartisan bill that would allow nursing home residents to install cameras in their own rooms, in order to better protect vulnerable seniors from abuse. Runestad's legislation, Senate Bill 717, mirrors a previous bill that was left unsigned by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer. Runestad emphasized the importance of this legislation, stating, "In a perfect world, we wouldn't need this legislation, but unfortunately, abuse occurs in nursing homes, so we must do what we can to help protect these residents."

The bill gained support in the Legislature after an elderly nursing home resident was severely beaten by a 20-year-old man with COVID-19 who was placed in the Westwood Nursing Center in Detroit under the governor's executive orders. The attack, which was caught on video and shared by the media, highlighted the need for measures to ensure the safety of nursing home residents. Runestad's bill would give residents the option of installing a camera in their own room, with the requirement that any roommates sign off on the camera and signage acknowledging its presence be displayed at the front of the facility.

Advocates for seniors and long-term care patients have also expressed support for the bill. Salli Pung, the Michigan Long Term Care Ombudsman, commended Runestad for proposing legislation that supports quality of life and care for residents through the option to use electronic devices. Paula D. Cunningham, the AARP Michigan State Director, emphasized the importance of protecting the health and well-being of nursing home residents and their property. Bob Carlstrom, President of AMAC Action, highlighted how these devices help vulnerable seniors remain connected with their loved ones and maintain important relationships.

The bill aims to provide a powerful deterrent to abuse, enable communication with loved ones, and help prevent future tragedies. As Runestad stated, "Everyone deserves to be treated with common decency and basic respect -- especially our most vulnerable seniors who are confined to nursing care." By giving residents the choice to install cameras, this legislation seeks to provide peace of mind to both residents and their families, ensuring that appropriate, secure, and timely care is being provided.

As the bill is reintroduced, Runestad hopes to return it to the governor's desk for her signature, recognizing the ongoing need for measures to protect nursing home residents.