Family Councils

Family Councils

Family council is an independent group composed of families and friends of the residents in a nursing home.

Are unique – designed to meet the needs of the members.

Are led by the family members (elected officers or a volunteer committee that shares duties).

A staff member may act as an advisor to the council.

Engages in a variety of activities.

Conducts decision-making in a democratic manner.

Five Main Purposes:

1. Camaraderie

            a) Mentor new family members

Admission of a loved one into a facility can be a difficult time for a family. No one know this better than someone who has been through it.

            b) Build a support network with other families

Even after the first few months following admission, many families may still find themselves coping with feelings of inadequacy, frustration, and guilt.

2.Communication

            a) Share information directly with administrator/staff advisor

            b) Recommend changes

            c) Discuss concerns – determine if they are receiving attention

            d) Reveal issues that are important to family members

With two- way communication between the facilities and families, potential problems can be solved before they grow into major conflicts.

3. Education – sponsor opportunities to learn about:

            a) Nursing home staff and their department

            b) Care Plans – what family information is needed/helpful

            c) Ombudsman Program

            d) Resident Rights

            e) Hospice

            f) Advanced directives

            g) Survey process

            h) DADS Regulatory Office survey or complaint p rocess

The long –care system is complicated and often confusing. Even within a facility, it can be difficult to understand the many procedures and regulations that determine how things are done. Councils can invite speakers to talk on relevant topics of importance to families. Having greater knowledge increases the family member’s ability to receive the best possible care for their loved one.

4. Sponsor Projects - some examples:

a) Bulletin boards

b) Pets visiting in the nursing home

c) Landscaping

d) Employee recognition

e) Resident Activities- parties, special events

      5. Process Concerns

1)      Effective councils provide opportunities for family members discuss concerns, and offer suggestions for improving the quality of life in their facility.

2)      Council may get involved in unresolved complaints or issues impacting numerous residents.

Discussing complaints is not the primary purpose of a family council – issues should be raised at the time they occur.

TIPS FOR INCREASING MEMBERSHIP & EFFECTIVENESS of F/C’s

*** Adjust meeting times

*** Provide refreshments

*** Telephone reminders

*** Projects

*** Speakers

*** Survey family members wants and needs

*** Distribute info about the meetings

*** Publicize meeting dates & times

*** Call it a “Family Support Group”

*** Limit meeting time to one hour

*** Keep things “positive”

*** Divide up responsibilities

*** Have a written agenda and take minutes

FAMILY COUNCILS ARE PLAYING A MAJOR ROLE IN IMPROVING THE QUALITY OF LONG-TERM HEALTH CARE.

FOR MORE INFORMATION OR QUESTIONS CONTACT: Nanci Struble at (210) 362-5209 or 1-866-231-4922 or email: nstruble@aacog.com. The Ombudsman program welcomes opportunities to assist in forming or maintaining effective family councils.

TDD users can communicate with Alamo AAA by dialing Relay Texas at 800-456-5094.
TTY users should dial Relay Texas at 800-735-2989.

2008-2010 Alamo Aging Area Plan AACOG Region Newsletter Access to Benefits Coalition Additional Aging Resources Alamo Area Gold Pages Alamo Senior Advisory Committees Calendars, Members, and Minutes Caregiver Resource Centers in Rural Counties Publications Texas Silver-Haired Legislature (TSHL) Texas Department of Aging and Disability Services TEXERCISE
	Family Councils Family council is an independent group composed of families and friends of the residents in a nursing home. Are unique – designed to meet the needs of the members. Are led by the family members (elected officers or a volunteer committee that shares duties). A staff member may act as an advisor to the council. Engages in a variety of activities. Conducts decision-making in a democratic manner. Five Main Purposes: 1. Camaraderie a) Mentor new family members Admission of a loved one into a facility can be a difficult time for a family. No one know this better than someone who has been through it. b) Build a support network with other families Even after the first few months following admission, many families may still find themselves coping with feelings of inadequacy, frustration, and guilt. 2.Communication a) Share information directly with administrator/staff advisor b) Recommend changes c) Discuss concerns – determine if they are receiving attention d) Reveal issues that are important to family members With two- way communication between the facilities and families, potential problems can be solved before they grow into major conflicts. 3. Education – sponsor opportunities to learn about: a) Nursing home staff and their department b) Care Plans – what family information is needed/helpful c) Ombudsman Program d) Resident Rights e) Hospice f) Advanced directives g) Survey process h) DADS Regulatory Office survey or complaint p rocess The long –care system is complicated and often confusing. Even within a facility, it can be difficult to understand the many procedures and regulations that determine how things are done. Councils can invite speakers to talk on relevant topics of importance to families. Having greater knowledge increases the family member’s ability to receive the best possible care for their loved one. 4. Sponsor Projects - some examples: a) Bulletin boards b) Pets visiting in the nursing home c) Landscaping d) Employee recognition e) Resident Activities- parties, special events 5. Process Concerns 1) Effective councils provide opportunities for family members discuss concerns, and offer suggestions for improving the quality of life in their facility. 2) Council may get involved in unresolved complaints or issues impacting numerous residents. Discussing complaints is not the primary purpose of a family council – issues should be raised at the time they occur. TIPS FOR INCREASING MEMBERSHIP & EFFECTIVENESS of F/C’s * Adjust meeting times * Provide refreshments * Telephone reminders * Projects * Speakers * Survey family members wants and needs * Distribute info about the meetings * Publicize meeting dates & times * Call it a “Family Support Group” * Limit meeting time to one hour * Keep things “positive” * Divide up responsibilities * Have a written agenda and take minutes FAMILY COUNCILS ARE PLAYING A MAJOR ROLE IN IMPROVING THE QUALITY OF LONG-TERM HEALTH CARE. FOR MORE INFORMATION OR QUESTIONS CONTACT:** Nanci Struble at (210) 362-5209 or 1-866-231-4922 or email: nstruble@aacog.com. The Ombudsman program welcomes opportunities to assist in forming or maintaining effective family councils. TDD users can communicate with Alamo AAA by dialing Relay Texas at 800-456-5094. TTY users should dial Relay Texas at 800-735-2989.