b'FAMILY COUNCILSRelationship-building with Family CouncilsTop 10 tips for long-term care staff By Cathleen Edwards & Tiffany FearonF amily Councils, autonomouspractice for home administrationparties should be working together groups composed of familyand Council members to reviewtowards the same goal of making and friends of residents, haveand understand what is outlined inhome communities thrive. To do been intrinsic in quality improvementlegislation and their scope of this, it is important to move past an efforts through advocacy, education,practice to be able to effectivelyUs vs. Them outlook heading into peer support and much more. While2 interactions. It is crucial toand appropriately collaborate andeach Council across Ontario will befulfil goals.recognize everyones stake in their different in their makeup, they all seekIt is important for administrators and5Get to know each other home community to enableto create safe, vibrant and supportivepositive partnership.long-term care communities forfamilies to take the time to get to residents, families and staff.Embrace aknow each other beyond formalitiessolution-oriented mindsetNumerous Councils have undergoneoutlined in legislation. Putting effort their fair share of change over theinto building rapport through informalFamily Councils are encouraged to last two years in response to thefriendly greetings and showing adopt a solution-oriented mindset COVID-19 pandemic. As some sawinterest in the other party helps towhen discussing concerns and growth in their membership, others3 complaints. When Councils have develop mutual understanding and experienced challenges connected tofosters trust. identified an issue, it is helpful for their inability to meet safely in person,Discuss and set expectations members to brainstorm potential the decrease in engagement, andfor communication solutions that they can suggest to home communication breakdownsHome administration and Familymanagement. It is best practice for due to transitions in leadership andCouncil members should prioritizeCouncils to come up with a few widespread staffing shortages instreamlining communication modesrealistic ideas to share with home the sector. As the provincial conduitadministration that all parties willfor Family Councils, we know howand discussing expectations. This6may include determining whichfind suitable.important it is for interpersonalcommunication mediums will be relationships to be nurtured forBe transparent about decisionsused, frequency and response healthy collaboration, especially intimelines. Some families and CouncilsTransparency is key to avoid the current climate. With that beingprefer in-person dialogue, writtenmisunderstandings that may arise said, here are 10 tips for homememos, emails with updated policy orwhen it comes to decisions being administrations to consider in orderrobocalls for updates about outbreaks.made that will impact residents, 1 It is great to try various processes andfamilies and staff. Administration to rebuild relationships with their respective Family Councils: 4 should try their best to explain why evaluate what works best for staffUnderstand the new legislationand families. a specific path was taken and what & powers of a Family Council Move beyond factors were considered when making Family Councils are recognized andUs vs. Them dynamic this decision. While some decisions included in the laws governing long- Family caregivers are motivated bymay not be ideal, being forthcoming term care in Ontario. The legislationlove and their desire to ensure theand candid when updating families provides important information abouthighest quality of life for residents.and Councils of major changes or Family Councils, including formation,While there might not be fullupdates promotes trust, inclusion and membership and powers. It is a bestagreement on various topics, allhealthy conversations.24 LONG TERM CARE TODAY Fall/Winter 2022'