What this area is for
Use Family Portal to send a short, kind message or a few photos for the resident. The home can then show that moment to the person, if staff are able to do so.
This is not a place for medical instructions, complaints about care, or urgent news. Telephone the home for those.
Before you start
- Open your own Family Portal link and enter your PIN.
- Check you are looking at the correct resident.
- Have the photos on the same phone or computer.
- You may send up to five photos with one message.
Step-by-step: send a message
- Open Family Portal with your link and PIN.
- Find the place to write a new message.
- Write in ordinary words. Keep it short.
- If you want to add photos, choose them now. You may add up to five.
- Leave the audience on private unless you have joined Family Circle and you really want other joined relatives to see it.
- Send the message.
- Wait for the confirmation. Do not tap send again and again.
What happens next
The home sees the moment in Family Activity. You may see an update such as:
- We received your message
- Ready to share with the resident
- Shared with the resident
Shared with means staff recorded that they showed the moment. It does not mean the resident read it, understood it or enjoyed it.
Your family moments
Photographs you sent stay in Your family moments. Another relative does not see those private photos unless you both use Family Circle for that post.
Questions people ask
Can I delete a message after I send it?
You cannot edit or delete a sent moment yourself. If something should not be shown, telephone the home. A manager can hide a moment if needed.
Can I send a video?
Not in this Family Portal. Use a photo or a written message.
The home has not replied.
Family Portal does not send replies like a chat app. Staff may show the moment to the resident, or post a care-home update. If you need an answer, telephone the home.