Families may not even realize what the benefits of a family council are or why a family council is necessary.

Once in awhile, an aspiring family member will try to gauge how the other family members of residents feel about a family council, and the families will often appear disinterested or unresponsive. That is because families have a hard time seeing what the positive benefits of a council will be, and how a family council can make positive impact on the care the residents receive as well as the well-being of the family members themselves.

The best way to access family interest is through a well-publicized introductory meeting. Sending out a questionnaire to families may not be as effective in gauging interest in a family council as the personal face-to-face contact of another motivated family member. Enthusiasm begets enthusiasm. Let other families know that a family council is a worthwhile endeavor.

Families may see another volunteer program or resident council already in place and conclude that there is no need for another type of council.

Family councils serve a special function and have there own specific needs and interests. It is important to understand what type of support group a family council is and is not. While some homes may imply that they have family groups and support nights, the distinguishing characteristic of a family council is that it is independent of the nursing home management and influence. Family councils have their own rights and goals. The rights of a family council are guaranteed. The goals of a family council are clear: to protect and improve the quality of life in the home and within the long-term care system as a whole, and to give families a voice in decisions that affect them and their residents.

Some family councils have trouble staying together or have difficulty functioning with only a handful of members.

Often the goals of a family council are not clear or have changed and the family council needs a new direction. Family members can lose interest if the goals of the family council do not coincide with their own. Also, infrequent meetings can be a reason for declining interest in the family council. Councils need to meet frequently enough to make plans, carry out projects, maintain continuity, and give members a chance to know one another. Most active councils meet monthly.

Family councils must have a minimum organization for them operate effectively. A structure that consists of a mission statement and goals, a chair, a basic agenda, a method for handling individual complaints, a system to inform and contact other members of the council, and a way to communicate with the facility administrator, are key items in a successful family council.

The fear of retaliation is the number one reason cited by families for not expressing their concerns and not being not being outspoken advocates for their loved ones.

Families are often in a vulnerable position when it comes to having their loved one in a nursing home. They fear that if they complain or take action that the staff or administration will take some action against them or their loved one. Family councils can be an answer to the fear of retaliation families and residents feel. Family councils offer families anonymity. Council members can take concerns to the facility staff and administrator as a group. No one is singled out and 10 voices will always be stronger than one.