Hidden camera?

silver-oldie

Wondered if anyone could recommend a hidden camera?
I have a very elderly mother, carers say she keeps falling out of bed, but I'm not sure.
I have no techie knowledge, so need some thing idiot proof. Have seen some on ebay starting at about £15 but have no idea .
Many I say thank you in advance.

rmg1

I don't have any experience of these things, but you could google "nanny cam". These are supposedly hidden in anything form a soft toy upwards. Don't know how they work though.

paddyrg

The problem with most cheap spy cams is the dreadful quality, no user interface to speak of, continuous filming (so cards fill up with hours of nothing), short battery life, or look just plain out of place.

I bought 'Motion activated TOP Secret Spycamera with invisible IR lights, automatic IR, constant record and battery backup power 3-4 hours. https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B00JFKARAE/ref=cm_sw_r_awd_djtWub1W8RB7A' which is actually very good quality, motion detectors (only film when something happens), can charge from USB, has menus and a screen for playback, had hidden recording mode so it's not obvious, has a clock, speakers for playing mp3, night vision, etc. IMHO, cheaper is likely a false economy.

silver-oldie

Thank you for your replies, much appreciated.
Paddyrd may I ask is the camera you suggest easy to set up and use, I even struggle with a mobile phone! Think it's an age thing.

[Deleted User]

personally id go straight to social services or even the police

paddyrg

silver-oldie wrote: »

Thank you for your replies, much appreciated.
Paddyrd may I ask is the camera you suggest easy to set up and use, I even struggle with a mobile phone! Think it's an age thing.

The guy who sells them provides a YouTube video tutorial and has been helpful answering questions, but it's slightly more complicated than switching off/on thanks to the same problems all cameras have - needing to stay powered yet discrete. You can probably find simpler models (in fact this vendor might be able to suggest some, he actually tests his lines and comments on quality etc), just this one is a good meeting of quality, price, features and battery life (5h on battery, you can use old Nokia phone batteries or leave plugged in - means getting unplugged whilst tidying the room doesn't cause as many doubts or issues).

I've seen cameras hidden in cost hooks, clocks etc too, biggest problems are the user interface (nil, or writing a file as a specific filename to be read on startup), direction (pointing at right angles high up misses a lot), battery life (you don't get much battery in a coat hook) and quality. Quality is less of an issue maybe, but with a mention.

shopbot

It sounds a very worrying situation.

Is she suffering from Alzheimers/Dementia? I ask because it sounds like she is unable to tell you herself. Also does she live in her own home or in a care home?

As well as techie solutions I would suggest that you instruct the carers to call an ambulance every time she falls without fail. As well as looking after her as she is very elderly it also starts to get medical professionals involved. I am pretty sure that they can spot when injuries don't tie up with that they've been told. I'm sure they have reporting mechanisms for vulnerable people especially if they start to get a pattern emerging.

I'd also keep a diary of which carers were present when these incidents occur.

You could also speak to your local neighbour Police team via 101. I have some elderly friends who were the victims of a theft. The local Police team (PC's & PCSO's) were very good at checking on them even many months later. Perhaps they could pop round when the carers are there on the pretext of checking on the elderly of the neighbourhood.

I wish you the best in sorting it out.

SB

silver-oldie

shopbot wrote: »

It sounds a very worrying situation.

Is she suffering from Alzheimers/Dementia? I ask because it sounds like she is unable to tell you herself. Also does she live in her own home or in a care home?

As well as techie solutions I would suggest that you instruct the carers to call an ambulance every time she falls without fail. As well as looking after her as she is very elderly it also starts to get medical professionals involved. I am pretty sure that they can spot when injuries don't tie up with that they've been told. I'm sure they have reporting mechanisms for vulnerable people especially if they start to get a pattern emerging.

I'd also keep a diary of which carers were present when these incidents occur.

You could also speak to your local neighbour Police team via 101. I have some elderly friends who were the victims of a theft. The local Police team (PC's & PCSO's) were very good at checking on them even many months later. Perhaps they could pop round when the carers are there on the pretext of checking on the elderly of the neighbourhood.

I wish you the best in sorting it out.

SB

Thank you, every one is so kind.
My mother is 99 years old and has Dementia, she is very confused so can't ask what has happened.
I have contacted Social Services and they have suggested we meet together with a District Nurse to assess the situation. For now I am visiting everyday (at different times)
Once again thank you.

Mr_Toad

Both my parents had/have dementia and while there are a small number of people out there that shouldn't be carers the majority are good people.

My father used to regularly 'fall' out of bed or a chair. When you wanted or needed to move him it was difficult and often he wouldn't or couldn't cooperate then later he would struggle for ages to get up and if we didn't get to him and calm him he would get out of bed and immediately fall.

During a stay in hospital he could even get over the raised bed sides! His bed was lowered to the floor and a crash mat was put there to stop him hurting himself. In the end the hospital had a care assistant sitting by his bed 24/7

Even with dementia they can be very driven and persistent and you can never find out why!

I hope you sort her out and she doesn't get hurt.