Microphones and Web Cams

If they are the power of attorney, they have that right- just as parents have a right to leave a hidden camera in their child's bedroom if they suspect a caregiver of something wrong. I understand that these cameras are admissible in court (if the parents put it...) it might be the same for a power of attorney of a demented patient.
In Israel we have cameras that are attached to a web site in the preschool rooms so that parents can log on and see if their cutie pies have their shoelaces untied etc. Parents love it. Unfortunately it just means that there was a problem (with the preschools ...) so a camera is necessary to keep people on their toes!
When I was in nursing school we were told to work as if G-d was leading in front of us and a Lawyer was looking over our shoulder checking up on us..... I guess that can be amended now if families are hiding cameras in rooms...

I don't believe that "right" extends outside of a private house. Like I mentioned in my initial post, only a very few states have adopted video/audio surveillance in nursing homes. Even if it is, the facility still has to approve installation. Your state's Patient's Bill of Rights may not even include this provision. Suffice it to say, it is illegal to install one w/o the facility's knowledge.

There are also laws preventing the taping of anyone without their consent. Whether it be audio or video.

Well, simple answer to that would be to invite a member of the family to come observe and/or help with the care on occasion. You have absolutely nothing to hide so why hide it?

CCM To begin with I am glad you solved the problem as I wrote the best way to deal with this is to sit with the family. But we have to know that incidence like this will keep on cropping up. The best thing is to stay in good communication with the families and help them to understand that it is in our best interest to give the best possible care and we care about their loved ones as well.

WOW!!! My experience with family members is that they view things a little differently. That same 200 lb paraplegic on admission was calling for the bathroom and her son would not accept our explanation that the transfer was too difficult and we needed to order a wider seat for the toilet because she couldn't sit safely on the standard seat. So the son decided to "show" us how its done. He nearly killed his mother in the process. was dripping sweat from the effort, when his mothers started crying "Stop!", (and he wouldn't) I put my foot down and made him stop. The son didn't see it, he thought he was doing fine work., Turns out the mother wasn't calling for the bathroom but had a UTI and was experiencing burning urination. She hadn't been toileted for 2 years prior to admission. In half a year, she has lost some weight. worked with PT and now does sit once a day on the toilet,even though she is still incontinent.
There are families and there are families- some understand and some don't see it- no matter how hard we work and are caring and careful- they complain. With patience and time they all come to realize that we are doing good work.
BUt to invite them to help with care in order to see how unelegant our work is- would not work - I would also not want to set a precedent. Besides what makes you think that the mother wants her child to change her diapers?????

In NY it is ok if at least one participant of a conversation is aware of the taping for it to be admissible in court.

No kidding! We had a family a while back and all the sons would ask how Mom's scratch on her butt was healing and then they all wanted to see it (during their individual visits). We were showing this poor ladies butt to four/five grown children daily. I'll hurt my kids if they demand this. Jeeez!

And I certainly don't want it videotaped while someone else is washing my rear end either!!!!

I agree- only the Power of Attorney has that right. If the family persists- I would invite them for a discussion and if necessary- invite the SW