Summit showcased family councils
OMNI homes learn new ideas
Wednesday April 2, 2008 -- Camille Jensen
A recent summit attended by April Faux, life enrichment co-ordinator at Burnbrae Gardens, has generated new ideas for a successful family council.

As part of a rural community with a small resident population, Burnbrae Gardens in the past has struggled to create an effective family council. Most families are happy with the care and don’t feel there are problems that need to be addressed through a council.

Just because there aren’t problems doesn’t mean families shouldn’t get involved, says Faux.

Both Faux and life-enrichment co-ordinator Vi O’Leary from Frost Manor recently returned from the one day conference in Ottawa, which brought together long-term care homes to network and share knowledge on a variety of issues. The women attended the event in hopes of learning how other homes have found success with family councils.

Faux learnt that most homes have trouble creating a large family council and that larger homes sometimes have only four or five regular members. Other homes have allowed different types of members, such as good friends or other volunteers at the home to help boost turnouts.

Believing family councils can do many things besides voicing concerns, Faux wants to encourage families and other visitors at the Campbellford long-term care home to get involved.

Hosting BBQs and other fundraising events, family councils can create and plan events for residents.

Councils can also serve as support groups where members can discuss health issues their loved ones may be facing.

“You can make it what you want it to be,” says Faux who believes family councils have great possibilities. “Once people are involved and enjoying it – it can continue to evolve.”

Since establishing a family council at Frost Manor last October, O’Leary says the group is doing wonderful things.

At the Lindsay long-term care home they were lucky to find a committed family member who has taken on most of the initiative.

O’Leary says the event still gave her good information and direction for the council. Finding out how often other councils meet and of a system to track complaints from the family council were two helpful areas for O’Leary.

The event was put on by the Seniors Health Research Transfer Network (SHRTN) which is hosting events across Ontario. To find out about future events and topics, visit SHRTN online.

Do you have other ideas or examples to create a successful family council? Contact the newsroom at (800) 294-0051 ext.24.

If you have feedback on this story, please call the newsroom at (800) 294-0051 or e-mail camille(at)axiomnews.ca.