What Eldermark actually offers for staff and family communication, why portal-based family messaging does not cover SMS, and how to add two-way messaging.
Get started for freeSchedule a demo →Eldermark (part of LivTech/PSG Equity) offers a family portal with in-app messaging and engagement features. Families interact through the portal — not over SMS. Staff communication tools within Eldermark are focused on operational workflows, not real-time group messaging. There is no two-way SMS texting for families and no confirmed native group messaging for floor-level staff coordination.
BloomText vs Eldermark
| Capability | BloomText | Eldermark |
|---|---|---|
| Two-way SMSStaff reply by secure chat via SMS | Included | Not included |
| Group threadsMultiple staff in one conversation | Included | Not included |
| Broadcast messagingReach all staff at once | Included | Not included |
| Family textingText families directly by SMS | Included | Not included |
| Staff app messagingStaff message through a dedicated app | Not included | Included |
| Automated notificationsOne-way updates to families | Not included | Included |
| Self-serve pricingPublished rates, no sales call needed | Included | Not included |
| No long-term contractMonth-to-month, cancel anytime | Included | Not included |
Eldermark's family engagement module includes a portal where families can view resident updates and exchange messages with the community. The portal requires families to use the app or log in online. Staff workflows within Eldermark focus on clinical documentation, billing, and operational management.
For families who actively use the portal, the messaging works. For the majority who do not check it regularly, updates go unseen. And the portal is not designed for the fast, floor-level staff communication that senior living requires.
The family portal is not SMS — families must be in the app or portal to see messages. There is no dedicated community number families can text directly. Staff group messaging for floor-level coordination is not a confirmed native feature. See HIPAA messaging for senior living for what compliant communication requires.
When family communication requires a portal login and staff coordination has no dedicated channel, both jobs move to personal phones. Staff create personal group texts for shift communication. Families call the front desk because the portal message went unread. The community has no audit trail and no organizational control.
A messaging tool that works alongside Eldermark should offer two-way staff group messaging and SMS-based family communication. Families should reply from their phone without an app. A signed BAA should cover the messaging platform.
BloomText gives senior living communities staff group messaging (by unit, shift, role) and a dedicated number for family texting. Families receive secure links over SMS and reply from their phone. Staff communicate through BloomText on their personal devices without resident information in personal apps.
Eldermark stays the clinical record and operational platform. BloomText handles the communication that the portal does not reach.
Every plan includes a signed BAA, including the free plan. See pricing for current plans.
Last verified August 27, 2026.