Benefits of Family Councils
For The Family
- Orientation, support, and information for the families of new residents
- Support and strength drawn from shared experiences
- Education and information related to the long-term care system e.g. residents' rights, medicare reimbursement, power of attorney
- A means to express concerns and solve problems
- Help new residents and families "adjust" to the nursing home environment
- A "united voice" to address issues as a "united effort." Families can be the catalyst for positive actions to improve care
- Reduce sense of isolation, helplessness, frustration
- Gives family members the opportunity to get to know other family members
For The Residents
- Family input into care decisions and facility changes
- Council sponsored activities and events to supplement the activity program
- Methods to meet individual needs through organized efforts
- Support and protection for residents who do not have concerned family or friends
- A connection to the community outside the facility
- Increased family involvement in nursing home life
- Added support for the resident council's concerns and activities
For The Facility
- Two-way communication between the home and families
- Sounding board for new ideas
- Family input to aid staff in problem solving and finding solutions
- Support on mutual concerns and goals
- Means to know families and residents better, their past experiences, and their likes and dislikes
- Help residents express meaningful appreciation for the staff
- Permits "in house" resolution of problems, lessening the need for regulatory agencies