About The Family Councils' Program

Program Objectives:

• Increase the strength of existing family councils;
• Increase the overall awareness about family councils;
• Establish new family councils;
• Explore sustainability strategies/systems for family councils across the province;
• Explore mechanisms to reach diverse communities, across Ontario, who may benefit from family councils.

Definition of Family Councils

A Family Council is an organized, self-led, self determining, democratic group composed of family and friends of the residents of long-term care facilities. A Staff Advisor from the facility is usually appointed to support and facilitate the Council. Emphasis is placed on mutual support, empowerment and advocacy. Although all Family Councils will have these variables in common, each council will  be unique in meeting the needs of its members, the residents and the facility.

Benefits of Family Councils

For the Family:

	Orientation, support, and information for the families of new residents.
	Ongoing mutual support-strength drawn from mutual shared experiences.
	Education and information related to the long-term care system.
	A means to express concern and solve problems.

For the Resident:

	Family input into decisions and changes.
	Family and resident activities..
	Meet needs through organized efforts including fundraising.
	Support residents who do not have concerned families or friends

For the Facility:

	Two -way communication between the home and families.
	Family input to aid staff in problem solving and finding solutions.
	Support on mutual concerns and goals.

For more information about the Family Councils' Program please contact the Family Councils Resource Coordinator.

E-Mail: fcpresource@selfhelp.on.ca

Website: www.familycouncils.net