Writing messages can be quite difficult at times. How do you write a proper message and what type of messages can you post on Familynet? This chapter provides a number of tips and suggestions.
Tips for writing messages
- Opt for messages that are brief and to the point. This ensures that the message is better understood. Multiple messages are preferred over one long message.
- Avoid jargon. Not all families are familiar with the terms that are quite common for care workers. Therefore, opt for plain language.
- Make it personal. There are of course also functional messages, yet family members highly appreciate it if personal bits of news are shared. For example, what a client has been up to that day or a funny anecdote.
- Ask a question. Asking questions is effective in order to increase family involvement. Ask for additional information about the client or make a request to participate in an activity or to bring something along.
- Do not post messages too frequently. Do not try and inundate family members with messages.
- Yet make sure to post regularly! Familynet is most effective if used with a certain degree of regularity. Therefore, try and post something each week. Opt for an even spread rather than several messages on one day followed by weeks of silence.
- Opt for pictures and video: pictures and video complement Familynet. And posting a picture or video is as easy as pie. We can often see more interaction when posting pictures and video, compared to text alone.
Example of messages
For example, use Familynet to share a message about the music afternoon, a stroll, cooking together or another activity. Personal messages about the well-being of a client are also highly appreciated by the family.
Some examples:
“Today we went out for a walk with the whole group. Frieda absolutely loved it. She chatted away with Ms Jones and afterwards they enjoyed a cup of tomato soup. It was a lovely afternoon!”
“What would be a real treat for Frieda? Since it is her birthday next week, we would like to get her something special. Is there anything special that she would really like?”
“On 23 March, we want to prepare the vegetable garden for spring and involve the entire department. We could do with some help and we think it would be great if you, as a family, could join us. We are going to make it a fun afternoon and have a meal together afterwards. Who will come and help us?”
“Dear family, Frieda more and more talks about her old home and corresponding garden. Do any of you still have any pictures of this? I think she would really like this! You can upload them here, so I can show them right away! Thank you so much!”
“Dear family, can any of you perhaps bring warm socks for Frieda? The pairs she has are worn out. She is a size 5. Thanks very much!”