Many elder care facilities and caregivers are exactly what they seem. However, others are understaffed or are lacking in the number of qualified personnel necessary for optimum patient care. There is also a natural turnover of employees in any facility — and though it's difficult to acknowledge, some caregivers are drawn to those most vulnerable for their own twisted reasons, much as pedophiles are drawn to occupations that allow them access to children.

It just makes sense to check those who care for the elderly. Even when it appears that all is well, why take the chance? When the client knows that all is as it should be she can enjoy peace of mind.

No one doing this type of investigation should attempt to cause fear in his clients. Instead, focus on empowering them to protect those they love. When they are empowered, there's no reason for fear. They can sleep at night knowing their loved ones are safe, mainly because you are making sure of it. To accomplish this, the investigator should wear a body camera or carry a covert camera to visit the home or facility. He should document the facility's cleanliness, attention to patient needs, speed of answering calls, delivery of medication, manner of addressing the patient, and anything else that's important. Finally, interview the patient about her care. Hidden cameras in the form of plants, radios, and other items can be left in the room to film activity after the investigator leaves.

After the initial visit — and after any minor problems have been addressed with the staff and any major problems reported to authorities — the PI can return at intervals, unannounced, and make his presence known to the staff or caregiver. When minor problems are uncovered, the staff should be made aware that someone cares enough about this patient to keep an eye on those who are responsible for her. If abuses are uncovered, the video proving them should be turned over to the client's attorney.

Often, PIs who work eldercare investigations charge different fees for different levels of investigations. They may have a minimal charge for a run-through, where they spend a few minutes dropping by the facility, making themselves known to the staff, and speaking to the patient. The more time that is involved and the more tasks performed, such as installing a hidden camera or documenting cleanliness and staff helpfulness, the higher the fee.

Elder abuses are almost unbelievable until you see irrefutable video evidence. Cameras have saved a nonverbal patient whose nurses were eating his food. They've documented an orderly turning off a call button, preventing a patient's calling for much-needed oxygen. Thankfully, these instances are rare, but the fact that they happen at all necessitates protection of the elderly.