As you get ready to “Capture the Moment” during next month’s National Assisted Living Week, make sure you’re also protecting the privacy and dignity of residents when it comes to taking and using their image, especially online. Be sure you and your community review and follow these best practices from AHCA/NCAL.

Remember: your residents’ privacy should take priority over publicizing NALW activities.  Only post pictures and videos of residents who have signed your community’s image authorization forms. 

Ensure the Privacy of Residents

• Adhere to privacy requirements and incorporate these requirements into your existing policies.
• Acquire the approval of residents (or their legal guardians) to use their images via authorization forms before posting on your company’s communication materials, including social media.
• Provide training to staff both during employee orientation and on a regular basis.

When Using Social Media as a Company or as a Community

• Create and continuously update policies and procedures on social media practices that ensure the privacy of residents.
• Dedicate specific staff to manage your company’s social media channels. Only those individuals should have authorization to post on behalf of the company or community.
• When posting to social media, only use images of residents and staff members who have given proper written authorization to use their images.

Communicate with and Train Staff

• Ensure policies for staff members include the use of social networking sites and any other Internet activities:
  • Clearly state that company policies apply to both on- and off-duty use;
  • Include specific examples of the kinds of statements or activities that are prohibited;
  • Clearly state the consequences of such prohibited activities; and
  • Ensure such policies protect the rights of employees per the National Labor Relations Act.
• Require employees to acknowledge receiving, reading, and understanding these policies.
• Provide training to staff members on such policies both during employee orientation and on a regular basis.
• Adhere to policies when staff violate social media policies.
• Report the staff member to the proper authorities if they have committed a crime.

Visit the AHCA/NCAL Social Media webpage to learn more. 

About NALW

Beginning on Grandparents Day, September 9 and running through September 15, NALW will be celebrated in assisted living communities across the country. It’s an opportunity to thank staff members for their hard work and volunteers for their service. NALW is also a time to help the public better understand how assisted living communities play a crucial role in the larger long term care spectrum as well as the unique experiences and needs of residents. 

For more information, please visit www.nalw.org. Use the NALW Planning Guide and Product Catalog for ideas and helpful tips. Share your own activity ideas on the NALW Facebook page.