Family Council FAQs

What is a Family Council?

A Family Council is an autonomous, family-led group seeking to improve the quality of life for long term care home residents.

Click the link below to view the Family Councils Ontario guide for Family Councils in Long Term Care

Family Councils Ontario Jan-2014

Who can be a member of Family Council?

A family member of a resident or a person of importance to a resident is entitled to become a member of the Family Council.  Members are invited to remain involved with the Family Council after the resident they represented has departed from the home.  Click on the link below to view the MOHLTC update on membership.

Clarification of Family Council Membership MOHLTC April 2015

What are the benefits of becoming a member of Family Council?

As a member, you will meet new people and you will have the support and encouragement of others who are adjusting to the experience of having a loved one in a long term care home. You will be able to share  your concerns, ideas and questions in a confidential manner and  in an environment of support and mutual respect.

Can I come to a Family Council meeting without being a member?

Families and friends of residents are welcome to come to meetings to “see what it is all about” and then can decide if they would like to join.

Do I have to attend every meeting?

No, attendance is not mandatory.  Members are encouraged to attend when they can.  Family Council members have access to meeting minutes, agendas and written materials distributed at meetings.

What is the purpose of Family Council?

The main purpose of Family Council is to improve the quality of life of residents at the the Village of Riverside Glen long term care home.

Family Council also provides a forum for families and friends to share their experiences and to learn and exchange information.  Family Council arranges guest speakers and liaises with the home’s management team and regulatory agencies on issues of concern and interest to the members.

What can a Family Council do?

Powers of a Family Council (Long Term Care Homes Act 2007)

60.  (1)  A Family Council of a long-term care home has the power to do any or all of                                          the following:

1. Provide assistance, information and advice to residents, family members of residents and persons of importance to residents, including when new residents are admitted to the home.

2. Advise residents, family members of residents and persons of importance to residents respecting their rights and obligations under this Act.

3. Advise residents, family members of residents and persons of importance to residents respecting the rights and obligations of the licensee under this Act and under any agreement relating to the home.

4. Attempt to resolve disputes between the licensee and residents.

5. Sponsor and plan activities for residents.

6. Collaborate with community groups and volunteers concerning activities for residents.

7. Review,

i. inspection reports and summaries received under section 149,

ii. the detailed allocation, by the licensee, of funding under this Act and the Local Health System Integration Act, 2006 and amounts paid by residents,

iii. the financial statements relating to the home filed with the Director under the regulations and with the local health integration network for the geographic area where the home is located under the Local Health System Integration Act, 2006, and

iv. the operation of the home.

8. Advise the licensee of any concerns or recommendations the Council has about the operation of the home.

9. Report to the Director any concerns and recommendations that in the Council’s opinion ought to be brought to the Director’s attention.

10. Exercise any other powers provided for in the regulations. 2007, c. 8, ss. 60 (1), 195 (7, 8).

 

For more information on  Family Councils in Ontario:

Click here to visit the Family Councils Ontario website