Family communication

Constantia Healthcare is putting family communication front and centre as part of a new initiative aimed at providing real-time information on the welfare of their loved ones.

Following their successful use at The Millings and St John’s House care homes, we have launched family communication groups in all 9 of our homes, using WhatsApp as the vehicle.

This enables staff at the homes to provide daily updates on residents to family members/next of kin, covering everything from what activities they have been involved in, through to health advice and general information about the home.

The groups went live after residents and family members opted in via a consent form. The main aim of the initiative is to:

– Enable Wellbeing Teams to share updates on daily activities, planned events, and important advisories.

– Provide family members with a direct line of communication for general updates about the home.

– Share photos and media to help families feel engaged and connected with their loved ones’ care and environment.

Using St John’s House as an example, Manager Kay Rushworth says 99% of family members have opted into receive updates and several posts are added on average each week.

Kay says: “It has become a great way of sharing information with our families and they have been very appreciative of the updates we send about their loved ones.

“It’s particularly nice for those who don’t live close to St John’s who can’t visit as often and they also act as nice prompts and talking points when families come to visit residents.”

Constantia Healthcare Chief Operating Officer Emily Whitehurst said: “These groups are designed to be a positive platform and our experience at The Millings and St John’s House confirms they foster collaboration, positivity, and gratitude rather than negativity or complaints.

“The feedback has been overwhelmingly positive, with families expressing their gratitude to staff for the exceptional care provided. The chats have become a hub of appreciation, support, and encouragement.

“They been instrumental in enhancing our engagement with family members and strengthening our connection with them.

“Moreover, these groups will serve as excellent evidence for the Care Quality Commission, showcasing strong family engagement and transparent communication.”

click here for more details or to contact Constantia Healthcare (Middlesbrough) Ltd