Organization and Structure of a Family Council

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Organization and Structure
How a family council is structured and organized

Setting up family council by-laws is not immediately necessary. However, a council structure is highly recommended for a strong, successful, and lasting group. STRUCTURE In order to have a family council, it should at least include representatives from four to six families. At a minimum the structure of a family council should include a chair, vice chair, and secretary. A schedule of meetings that requires a meeting every one or two months. A method of informing families of family council meetings. A method of communicating among families at times other than meetings, e.g., telephone tree, e-mail broadcasts, direct mail. A procedure in which families and residents who have complaints or concerns can contact the family council at any time. An established line of communication with the long term care ombudsman to support the council in handling residents' concerns and complaints. An agreement with the administrator on how to meet new family members. An established procedure for communicating, in writing, concerns or recommendations to the facility administrator. A set agenda for each meeting that would ensure efficiency of time and effectiveness of purpose. LEADERSHIP Good leadership is important for a strong family council. Most leaders don't see themselves as leaders; They believe that they just have a passion for assuring residents have good care and a quality of life. Many people don't even think about whether or not they are a leader or what qualities a leader possesses. Family council leaders may not know everything they need to know on how facilities operate. If you are a family council leader, you have the sufficient knowledge about whether or not resident have choices or the care they need. Just be confident in your good sense about what you would want if you lived in at long term care facility: You would want someone to see if you needed a doctor when you felt ill. You would want the right to complain to anybody about whatever problem you thought you had. You would want the facility staff to treat you with dignity. You would want a quiet place to sleep. You would want a wheelchair that was comfortable and that you could operate. You would want to remain as independent as possible. You would want your family to visit at times that are convenient for them. You would want to go places as your health permits. You would want your therapies to be sufficient to help you improve or, if that is not possible, maintain your condition, such as helping you walk again. You would want your caretakers to treat you like a person, not an inanimate object. You would want choices about what to eat, when to get up, and what activities you wanted to do on a daily basis. For example, if you would not accept an inferior product from a grocery store, it is reasonable that you, as a resident, have the right to not accept an inferior food from the facility. The facility should provide food that you enjoy. The food should be attractively served. It is more difficult to be served food that is palatable in a long-term care facility than you would think. One study showed that 78 percent of residents are malnourished. Serving food that is not attractive, poorly prepared, lacking in quality, and not at the proper temperature is all too common in facilities. The nursing home system in nearly every Illinois home is broken. See yourself as an innovator, that's what leaders are. Leaders incite change. A powerful example of such leadership can be found in a group of long-term care providers and advocates who recognized the need to reexamine long-term care and implement practices to rediscover the human side of care. These pioneers established the concept of Pioneer Practices in an effort to implement a total cultural change in nursing homes. Read more about the standard of best practices in nursing homes and the move towards the individualized care that is entitled to residents in the Pioneer Practices section. BYLAWS - The rules governing a family council Adapted from Minnesota Veterans' Home Family Council I. PURPOSE Comfort, inform and motivate friends and relatives of nursing home residents. Improve the quality of life, well-being and happiness of all residents of the facility. Provide input on nursing home decisions and act on shared concerns and problems. Promote positive attitudes toward aging and the role of the nursing homes in long term care. II. Membership and Attendance A friend or relative of a resident may become a member of the Family Council. There shall be a cooperative effort between the Family Council and Resident Council. Family members of deceased residents are encouraged to continue their active membership (at least for 2 years). III. Officers and Committees Family Council officers shall be Chairman, Cochairman, Secretary and General Alternate. The Chairman shall preside over all meetings. In the event of his/her absence, the Cochairman shall preside. The Secretary shall record the minutes of each meeting. Committees may be set up by the officers and may include Activities, Welcoming, Grievance, etc. IV. Elections Elections shall be held every year in October. V. Meetings Family Council meetings shall be held the fourth Tuesday of every month. Meetings of the board shall be held as deemed necessary by the board. VI. Rules of Order Each meeting will follow the agenda prepared by the board. Each person wishing to speak shall raise his/her hand and be recognized by the Chairperson.