How Transparency Protects Nurses and Reduces Risk

Many LTC nurses worry that providing health information will increase scrutiny, additional workload, or even legal issues. In reality, the opposite is true:

1. Fewer Complaints, Less Stress
   Most family grievances arise because the family feels left in the dark. When they can’t access information, they assume the worst—leading to more calls, frustration, and even legal threats. A family portal like Engage+ ensures that updates are automatically shared, reducing misunderstandings and preventing unnecessary complaints.
2. Sharing Information Saves Time
   Nurses may fear that giving families access means more work, but in reality, it drastically reduces phone calls and repetitive questions.
   LTC facilities using Engage+ report a 40-60% reduction in time spent answering family inquiries. Families no longer call to ask, “Did Dad eat today?” when they can check updates themselves. Nurses can spend more time on resident care instead of phone calls and paperwork.
3. PoAs and SDMs Are Your Allies, Not Adversaries
   Many nurses worry that families will question their care if they have access to records. But in reality: Transparency builds trust—families feel reassured when they can see real-time updates. When families understand their loved one’s condition, they are less likely to escalate concerns. Open communication fosters a collaborative approach to care, improving resident outcomes.
4. You’re Already Documenting Everything—Why Hide It?
   If nurses are confident in their documentation, there’s nothing to fear in sharing it with families. If there’s concern about what families will see, that signals a documentation issue, not a transparency issue.
   Well-documented, accurate records are a sign of excellent care. Engage+ ensures that families receive only the information they are legally entitled to while keeping communication secure.