Stay connected with your team through CareCade's built-in chat. Send messages, receive updates, and coordinate care without leaving the app.

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Accessing Chat

From Navigation

1. Tap Chat in the bottom navigation
2. View your conversations
3. Tap any conversation to open

Quick Access

• Red badge shows unread messages
• Recent chats on dashboard
• Notifications take you directly to chat

Chat Types

Direct Messages

One-on-one conversations:

• Message specific coworker
• Private communication
• Coordinate on shared clients
• Ask questions

Group Chats

Team conversations:

• Multiple participants
• Team announcements
• Group coordination
• Shared information

Admin Messages

Communications from administration:

• Announcements
• Policy updates
• Important information
• Organization news

Starting a Conversation

New Direct Message

1. Tap Chat tab
2. Tap + or New Message
3. Select person to message
4. Type your message
5. Tap send

Joining Group Chats

Group chats you're added to:

• Appear in your chat list
• Can be created by admins
• May be team-based
• Participate as appropriate

Sending Messages

Typing Messages

1. Open the conversation
2. Tap the message field
3. Type your message
4. Tap send (arrow icon)

Message Options

You can:

• Send text messages
• Share photos (if enabled)
• React to messages
• Reply to specific messages

Best Practices

• Be clear and concise
• Professional tone
• Check before sending
• One topic per message when possible

Receiving Messages

Notifications

Get notified about:

• New messages
• Mentions
• Replies to your messages
• Important announcements

Viewing Messages

1. Tap notification or chat badge
2. Open conversation
3. Read messages
4. Respond as needed

Message Indicators

Indicator	Meaning
One check	Sent
Two checks	Delivered
Blue checks	Read
Dots	Typing

Managing Conversations

Finding Chats

Search for conversations:

1. Tap search icon in Chat
2. Enter name or keyword
3. Find matching conversations
4. Tap to open

Organizing

Conversations sorted by:

• Most recent first
• Unread at top
• Pinned chats (if available)

Archiving/Muting

If you need to:

• Mute notifications for a chat
• Archive old conversations
• Options in chat settings

Chat Features

Reply to Messages

Reply to specific messages:

1. Press and hold the message
2. Tap Reply
3. Type your response
4. Original message quoted

Reactions

Quick reactions:

1. Press and hold message
2. Select emoji reaction
3. Reaction appears on message

Sharing Photos

If enabled:

1. Tap camera/photo icon
2. Take photo or choose existing
3. Add caption if needed
4. Send

Professional Communication

Appropriate Topics

Use chat for:

• Work coordination
• Schedule questions
• Client care (be mindful of privacy)
• Team communication
• Professional support

Inappropriate Topics

Avoid in work chat:

• Personal matters
• Gossip
• Complaints
• Sensitive personal info
• Non-work content

Privacy Considerations

Remember:

• Chats may be monitored
• Be professional
• Protect client privacy
• No PHI unless authorized

Chat Etiquette

Response Times

• Respond to urgent matters quickly
• Non-urgent can wait
• Acknowledge receipt if you can't respond fully
• Don't expect instant replies

Clear Communication

• State your purpose
• Be specific
• Avoid ambiguity
• Ask if unclear

Respectful Tone

• Professional language
• Avoid all caps
• Be courteous
• Consider how it reads

Group Chat Guidelines

Participating

• Stay on topic
• Don't over-message
• Use @mentions appropriately
• Respect others' time

When to Use

• Information affecting the group
• Team coordination
• Shared questions
• Group announcements

When Not to Use

• Individual questions
• Private matters
• Off-topic discussions
• Lengthy back-and-forth

Admin Announcements

What They Are

Organization-wide messages:

• Policy updates
• Important news
• Schedule changes
• General information

Your Response

• Read carefully
• Acknowledge if required
• Follow instructions
• Ask questions through proper channels

Notification Settings

Customizing Alerts

Control chat notifications:

1. Go to Settings → Notifications
2. Find chat settings
3. Customize:
   • Sound
   • Vibration
   • Badge count
   • Quiet hours

Muting Specific Chats

To mute a conversation:

1. Open the chat
2. Tap settings icon
3. Select Mute
4. Choose duration

Troubleshooting

Messages Not Sending

1. Check internet connection
2. Refresh the app
3. Try again
4. Report if persistent

Not Receiving Messages

1. Check notification settings
2. Check mute settings
3. Pull to refresh
4. Check internet connection

Can't Find a Person

1. Verify they're in the system
2. Check spelling
3. They may not have chat enabled
4. Contact administrator

Best Practices

Daily Check

• Review messages at start of day
• Respond to pending items
• Check for announcements
• Clear unread badges

During Work

• Respond promptly to urgent matters
• Don't let chat distract from clients
• Check between appointments
• Prioritize client care

End of Day

• Clear important messages
• Note any follow-ups
• Prepare for tomorrow
• Don't feel obligated after hours

Related Articles

• Setting Up Notifications
• Understanding Your Clients
• Your Dashboard Overview