By Rick Banas of BMA Management, Ltd.
The Chicago Tribune ran an article today that talks about cities in Illinois that are using Twitter as a reverse 911 system for the city to send information to residents. Cities are using the platform to communicate road closings or construction, missing persons, gypsy moth spraying, and other information to residents who sign up for the Tweets.
Social media platforms, like Facebook, are spreading into every aspect of marketing and communications – and businesses are using these resources to reach current and prospective employees and consumers.
It got me thinking: Why can’t assisted living communities use Twitter or other social media such as LinkedIn for the same purposes? We could use Twitter to contact family members about events happening at the community or to communicate other important information. Wouldn’t it be nice to communicate with 100 or more families about the ice cream social this weekend or the party we’re having to celebrate the community’s anniversary? In case of emergency, it could be used to assist with evacuation or to let family know that residents are safe after a storm.
At our company, we’ve started a program for communities so residents can use Facebook to keep in touch with family members that live far away. This allows both the resident and the family to share photos and conversations, and helps alleviate feelings of isolation.
I would love to know how social media is being used in your communities to help solidify relationships with residents, staff, and families. Please post comments here and help get the conversation started.
All affordable assisted living communities managed by BMA Management, Ltd. are certified and surveyed by the Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services. All assisted living communities are licensed and surveyed by the Illinois Department of Public Health.
“BMA Management, Ltd. is the leading provider of assisted living in Illinois
and one of the 20 largest providers of assisted living in the United States.”
What are your thoughts? Leave a comment and let us know.
