Making it 'Look Good' for Marketing

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Specializes in LTC.

I work in an ALF and recently our marketing director has been asking us to do things to 'make it look good' for tours that come through. She asks activities to do an activity if she has a tour coming through even if the Activity Director has already done something or has something coming up soon. I feel that this is not truly representing who we are. The AD does a wonderful job and has plenty of activities on a daily basis. Couldn't marketing point out what just took place or what is coming up and stress that residents need down time as well as stimulation? It seems that marketing is just all about the 'almighty dollar'. What would you say to such a request? From the management side I am trying to support her and resolve this issue with marketing. Thanks!

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Specializes in Nursing Home ,Dementia Care,Neurology..

I remember our old manager always put out little tablecloths and flowers when there was an announced visit! Course when they came unannounced they would see that there where no tablecloths that day!

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Specializes in Day Surgery, Agency, Cath Lab, LTC/Psych.

I hate deceiving people. I think it should be "what you see is what you get." We shouldn't have to con patients and family into liking our facilities.

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Specializes in Ortho, Neuro, Detox, Tele.

Speaking as a fellow AD from before I started NS, I would never "put on aires" about what we did....anytime family were coming around, and I happened to be in the office, I was always free to mention what was going on soon, what had just gotten done, some of the special events for the month, etc. I was always available to talk to family, even if I was in the middle of charting, or on my way to a careplan meeting, etc....

I believe that if a facility is falsey putting on what they do, families will find out soon enough, and then they're unhappy. Why not have pictures up, or activity board that shows what's been going on lately? There are lots of other ideas....feel free to direct your AD to a fellow AD whenever....but tell her I hear where she's coming from....

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Specializes in Home Health, Case Management, OR.

Ugh I feel your frustration!! The ALF where I used to work was the same way! It was horrible and extremely fake!! Then when the families just happened to "pop" in at say 9 or 10pm they would see what REALLY was going on and get mad!! I left where I was to focus fully on nursing school and leaving that place was the best thing I could have done, they run it so illegally and just below standards on a general basis, then put on aires and waste money to make it look so pretty and elaborate! Oh I could ramble on about it for hours!!

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Why not have a schedule of activities.?Then say to whoever is coming, If you'd like to see our residents during one of the activities, try to come at____ or_____. We have a drawing class at _____ and a bingo at ______. That is more honest. If you have a good program, you shouldn't have to hide or be fake. If someone comes outside of the time, then they can talk to a resident and see what they have to say re. the activity that just occurred.

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Specializes in Nursing Home ,Dementia Care,Neurology..

We have a white board at the front door with all that days activities written on it.It informs the residents and the relatives what's happening.

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