Are Granny Cams Legal in Nursing Homes in Illinois?

 Posted on August 13, 2025 in Physical Abuse

When families entrust the care of an elderly loved one to a nursing home, they often do so with a mixture of hope and anxiety. Hope that their parent or grandparent will receive the dignity, safety, and medical support they deserve; and anxiety rooted in the countless stories of elder abuse and neglect that have become all too common in Illinois and beyond.

That anxiety has led many families to consider installing cameras, often called "granny cams," in their loved one’s nursing home room. These devices can provide reassurance, detect mistreatment, and hold staff accountable. But they also raise difficult legal and privacy questions.

So, are granny cams legal in Illinois nursing homes? The short answer is: yes, under specific conditions. But the details matter, and if the rules are not followed carefully, families can face serious legal consequences or risk having the footage excluded in a civil or criminal case, even when abuse really is happening.

Schwartz Injury Law has helped families throughout Illinois pursue justice after nursing home abuse, neglect, and wrongful death. We are a large, well-resourced law firm, but when you contact us, you will speak directly with an experienced Addison County nursing home abuse attorney, not an intake script. We offer free consultations and represent all nursing home injury clients on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing unless we recover compensation for you.

Illinois Law About Authorized Electronic Monitoring in Long-Term Care Facilities

In 2016, Illinois became one of the few states to pass a law specifically addressing the use of surveillance equipment in nursing home rooms. The Authorized Electronic Monitoring in Long-Term Care Facilities Act (210 ILCS 32) regulates when residents or their families can legally install a camera in a private room.

The law strikes a balance between a resident’s right to monitor their care and the rights of roommates and staff to privacy. Importantly, the law allows for audio and video recording, but only with proper consent and notification.

Not every facility is required to allow these cameras. Facilities must either provide care to dementia patients, be licensed under the MC/DD Act, or be long-term care facilities licensed under the Nursing Home Act, and they need to have 30 or more beds.

When Illinois Law Allows Granny Cameras

To install a granny cam legally under Illinois law, the following steps must be followed:

Written Consent

The resident, or their legal representative if the resident lacks capacity, must consent to electronic monitoring in writing. If the resident has a roommate, that person (or their representative) must also consent.

Notification to the Facility

Families must provide written notice to the nursing home before installing a camera. The facility cannot refuse a resident’s right to monitor, but it can regulate the installation process to ensure safety and compliance.

Placement and Cost

The resident or their family is responsible for purchasing, installing, and maintaining the equipment. The camera must be placed in a way that is not disruptive or unsafe. Hidden cameras are not allowed; the device must be visible and known to the facility.

Signage

A sign must be posted at the room’s entrance indicating that the room is under electronic monitoring. This notice must be visible to all staff, visitors, and residents.

Tampering Prohibited

It is a criminal offense for anyone to obstruct, disable, or remove an authorized electronic monitoring device. This includes staff, administrators, or other residents.

Limitations in Shared Rooms

If the roommate does not consent to monitoring, the device may not be used or must be disabled when the roommate is present. In some cases, the resident may request a room transfer to allow for monitoring, and the facility is required to try to accommodate the resident’s request.

What Happens if the Illinois Law About Granny Cams Is Not Followed?

If a camera is installed without following the legal requirements, several things can go wrong. First, and most importantly, the footage may be inadmissible in civil or criminal proceedings. This is true even when there are recordings that clearly indicate abuse or neglect. The family could be accused of violating privacy laws or facility policies, potentially leading to criminal penalties. And the facility may take disciplinary action against the resident, including eviction, depending on the circumstances.

Families should never rely on DIY surveillance without legal guidance. What seems like a protective step can backfire if executed badly.

What Can Grammy Cam Footage Be Used For?

When installed legally, granny cam footage can be incredibly powerful in nursing home injury cases. We have seen families use video evidence to:

• Catch physical abuse, such as slapping, pinching, or rough handling

• Document neglect, such as failure to turn residents, leading to pressure sores

• Record missed medications or failure to respond to distress

• Refute facility claims that a resident "fell on their own" or was "agitated and uncooperative"

This evidence can support a civil lawsuit for damages, trigger a state investigation, or lead to criminal charges against abusive staff.

Common Challenges when Using Granny Cam Footage in Litigation

Even with clear video, defense attorneys and nursing homes will often attempt to discredit the footage. Common challenges include questions about chain of custody, missing context, or roommate objections. Any of these can present serious challenges to a case and require knowledgeable legal representation to dispute. Working with an attorney early — before or immediately after installing a camera — can help ensure that the evidence is properly recorded and preserved.

Contact an Addison, IL Nursing Home Injury and Abuse Lawyer

Our firm brings over four decades of personal injury experience to every nursing home abuse and neglect case. We have the resources to litigate against large healthcare corporations, but we remain committed to providing personal, responsive service. When you call us, you speak directly to a real lawyer — not a call center or screening service.

If you are considering installing a granny cam or believe your loved one has been harmed in a nursing home, contact an Illinois nursing home injury attorney at Schwartz Injury Law today. We serve families across Addison County and greater Illinois with dedication, skill, and respect. Call 312-535-4625 for a free consultation.