Promoting Connection with the Resident and Family App

Aline developed the Resident and Family App as a way for residents and family to stay connected with the community – and each other. We included functionality like an individualized care plan, dining menus, and lists of community activities, before piloting the app in a small number of communities.

Then, in March 2020, COVID-19 hit. Almost overnight, family members had no way to visit with senior living residents and were limited on how they could communicate with loved ones. This changed our focus with the app, and so we developed additional features with a more wellness-focused functionality that communicated symptom-tracking and other vital health updates to families using the app. 

Features Built to Meet the Challenges of COVID 

By the end of April 2020, we expedited the app on an emergency basis, adding the ability for users to track symptoms, communicate temperature checks (twice a day) to the families, and stay abreast of other timely updates, including changes in local health regulations. Before we released the app for Apple and Android devices, Aline took additional measures to protect and secure data available on the app – this continues to be one of our top priorities.

Looking to the Future

The Aline Resident and Family App started out as a social and communication tool to give families additional visibility into residents’ daily lives. During the pandemic, real-time information in the areas of health and well-being were added to provide families further transparency and peace of mind. The app also was used as a vital communications tool to keep families informed on the changing regulations and protocols, giving time back to caregivers to spend with residents. Today, the Aline Resident and Family App serves as a social engagement and communication tool that keeps families, residents and staff informed and connected.