Whether you live in your home, in an assisted
living facility, or in a nursing home, you keep the rights you have had all your
life. Whoever provides your care must respect your rights as an
individual. One of these rights is the right to organize and participate
in a resident council, and to recommend changes and improvements in the
facility's policies and services.
What is a resident council?
A resident council is a
group of residents, or their representatives, that live in an
assisted-living center, or a nursing and rehabilitation center, that
meet to discuss concerns, develop suggestions and plan activities.
Concerns may include, but
are not limited to, problems with the center, questions about Medicare
or Medicaid, complimenting the staff on a good practice, suggesting
menus or activities, clearing up rumors, etc. the month’s activities are
often announced during the meetings.
Why have a resident
council?
A resident council gives the
residents, or their representatives, an opportunity to participate and
have some control over their living situation. It helps the center
understand the needs of the residents and allows them to work together
to improve communication and provide quality care.
Is the resident
council just a complaining session?
No. The residents have the
opportunity to voice concerns and to make suggestions about including
favorite foods, activities, etc. Some councils do fund-raising
for such activities as trips, or to purchase equipment and materials.
Resident councils may
review specific resident rights, or vote monthly on staff member of the
month or activity of the month. They may have a guest speaker such as a
dietician, nurse, or 4H leader.
Who runs the resident council?
A staff member advisor, with
the help of resident council officers, usually runs the resident
council. Many councils vote on a President, Vice President, and a
Secretary/Treasurer. The President or Vice President opens and closes
the meeting, the Secretary reads last month’s minutes and records
minutes of the present meeting, if able, and the staff advisor helps the
group with their agenda items.
It is the responsibility of the staff
advisor to follow up on any complaints using the center’s procedure for
recording, investigating and resolving complaints.
Resident Councils contribute to an improved
facility atmosphere.
The residents know what needs are not being met at
the facility. They can give ideas and opinions the facility must listen to
and respond back to the council.
Activities and events organized with the help of
residents are usually better received. Councils can be very helpful in
providing residents with correct information or notifying them of changes.
For more information about Resident Councils
contact your local Ombudsman.
