Resident and Family Councils

Long-term care homes are more than places for care; they are people’s homes. It is important that residents and their caregivers make choices about their everyday life. We want everyone in long-term care homes to feel supported and connected. A big part of this is making sure residents, family and caregivers can share ideas and contribute to decision-making that affects residents’ experience.

Each council meets regularly to talk about things that matter at the local care home. This can include:

• Sharing experiences
• Supporting each other
• Helping make decisions together
• Suggesting quality of life improvements
• Building a sense of community

Local councils are supported by service providers who are available to meet with councils at least twice a year, provide administrative and logistical support and get involved as needed by the council.

Additionally, the Vancouver Coastal Association of Family Councils is an independent non-profit that offers information, resources and support to start up and sustain effective local councils.

In British Columbia, there are three levels of Resident and Family Councils:

1. Local Long-term Care Home Resident and Family Councils 

   At each care home, residents and family and caregivers meet regularly to talk about how to make life better for residents in the care home. The council can be made up of residents and family and caregivers who sometimes speak on behalf of residents. 

2. Regional Resident and Family Council Network 

   Representatives from local councils and Vancouver Coastal Health talk about what is going well and what can improve in care homes in the region. Vancouver Coastal Health hosts network meetings four times per year.

3. Provincial Resident and Family Council Forum

   Representatives from each regional network come together to discuss best practices, common concerns and quality of life for residents. The Ministry of Health hosts the forum two times per year.

Reach out to the leadership team at your local home if you want to join or learn more about your local council.