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Family Council |
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The Family Councils Program was first launched as a pilot project in Ontario in 1998 when it was introduced and initiated in 13 long-term care homes, St. Pat’s being one of them. Now, based on a 2006 Family Council Information Survey, there are 502 (approximately 80%) of Ontario long-term care homes with a Family Council. Our present Council began in 2000. Over those six years we have been very busy working to improve the quality of life of residents and giving families and friends a voice in decisions that affect them and their loved ones. We’ve held educational workshops for family members, residents, Family Council members and staff and, in turn, staff have come to our meetings and explained what they do at St. Pat’s. We’ve worked on problems within St. Pat’s, with the assistance of staff and the Executive Director and have had wonderful Christmas dinners with the Residents’ Council over the past 4 years. Our longest running success is the Family Council Support Group for family members and friends that meets monthly. Along with all the progress and exciting developments with our Family Council, there have also been challenges. One of the identified challenges to maintaining a Family Council is membership turnover, a transitionary period which can often result in a need to reform and re-establish itself. St. Pat’s Home Family Council is in just such a period. If you are a family member who has a loved one at St. Pat’s, or are the friend of one of the residents, or are one who has recently lost your loved one/friend and want to keep your connection with St. Pat’s, consider joining our Family Council. Our next meeting is in the Shamrock Board Room on September 17. Barbara Brush, President
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