When a resident first moves into a care home, staff are focused on helping them settle, build trust, and understand their routines and preferences. This early stage is about relationship-building, not assumptions.

Digital sharing often runs alongside this, especially photos of activities or daily life. While this can be positive, it’s important to remember that consent is not a one-off form. It needs to be understood in context, and revisited as the relationship develops.

In the early days, a resident may agree to photos without fully grasping how widely images may be shared or how long they remain online. As they become more familiar with the environment, their views about privacy may also change.

Good practice is simple: pause and ask whether the person would genuinely understand and be comfortable with this image being shared today. It’s about dignity, not restriction.

Digital wellbeing in care is not about saying “don’t share”, it’s about making sure sharing always reflects the resident’s informed wishes and evolving comfort level.

Until next time

Liz