Illinois Expands the Right to Use Cameras in Assisted Living Facilities: What Families Need to Know

Choosing an assisted living facility for a loved one is never easy. Families place an enormous amount of trust in caregivers, hoping their loved ones will be treated with dignity, respect, and compassion.

Now, Illinois has taken another step toward increasing transparency in long-term care.

A newly signed law expands the right of residents in assisted living and shared housing establishments to install electronic monitoring devices in their rooms, a right that has long been available to many nursing home residents. The change is designed to give residents and their families additional peace of mind while balancing privacy concerns.

What Changed?

Governor J.B. Pritzker recently signed House Bill 4517, which expands the Authorized Electronic Monitoring in Long-Term Care Facilities Act to include residents of assisted living and shared housing communities. Previously, Illinois law generally allowed electronic monitoring only in licensed nursing homes.

Under the new law, residents of these additional facilities may choose to install:

• Video cameras
• Audio recording devices
• Devices capable of both video and audio recording

The key word is optional. The law does not require monitoring; it simply gives residents the choice.

Why Was the Law Expanded?

Supporters of the legislation say the goal is simple: increase transparency while giving residents another tool to protect themselves.

Electronic monitoring can:

• Give family members additional peace of mind
• Help identify possible abuse or neglect
• Provide objective evidence if questions arise about a resident’s care
• Allow families to stay more connected with loved ones who may have mobility or health limitations

Illinois State Long-Term Care Ombudsman Kelly Richards noted that some residents feel more secure knowing their loved ones can observe changes in their health, mobility, or daily routine.

Important Rules Families Should Know

Although residents may now install cameras, the law includes several safeguards designed to protect everyone’s privacy.

The Camera Must Be Visible

The monitoring device cannot be hidden.

It must be installed in a location where it is clearly visible.

Notice Must Be Given

Rooms using electronic monitoring must display signage indicating that video or audio monitoring is taking place.

This ensures caregivers, visitors, and others know they may be recorded.

Roommates Have Rights Too

If a room is shared, the roommate must consent before monitoring can occur.

That consent may also be withdrawn later.

The law attempts to balance one resident’s desire for monitoring with another resident’s right to privacy.

Residents Pay the Cost

The electronic monitoring equipment is generally purchased, installed, maintained, and removed at the resident’s expense rather than the facility’s.

How This Can Help Families

No camera can replace regular visits or attentive family involvement.

However, electronic monitoring may:

• Deter abuse or neglect
• Help resolve disputes over what actually occurred
• Alert family members to changes in a resident’s condition
• Create greater accountability
• Provide reassurance when families cannot visit frequently

For many families, simply knowing the option exists can provide comfort.

Cameras Are Not Right for Every Family

Electronic monitoring also raises important questions.

Families should consider:

• Privacy for roommates and visitors
• Whether audio recording is appropriate
• How recordings will be stored
• Who should have access
• Whether monitoring may affect the resident’s comfort or independence

Every family’s situation is different, and these decisions should be made thoughtfully.

Why This Matters for Estate Planning and Elder Law

When families begin discussing assisted living, they are often also facing broader legal questions, including:

• Who has authority to make health care decisions?
• Does someone have a valid Power of Attorney?
• When is guardianship necessary?
• How will long-term care be paid for?
• What happens if abuse or neglect is suspected?

Planning ahead can help families avoid uncertainty during already stressful times.

This new law gives Illinois residents another option to help protect vulnerable loved ones, but it works best as part of a comprehensive elder law and estate planning strategy.

The Bottom Line

Illinois’ expansion of electronic monitoring rights recognizes that transparency and resident choice are important parts of quality long-term care.

While cameras are completely optional, they may provide valuable peace of mind for residents and their families.

If you have an aging parent or loved one entering assisted living, now is an excellent time to review not only their care options, but also their estate plan, powers of attorney, and long-term care planning.

If you have questions about your estate plan or a probate matter, contact the Law Office of Jonathan W. Cole P.C. at (708) 529-7794  Your Neighborhood Law Firm.

(708) 529-7794 | Law Office of Jonathan W. Cole P.C. — “Your Neighborhood Law Firm.”