The Government of British Columbia has announced changes to the Residential Care Regulations, which will strengthen Resident and Family Council Requirements.
“Long-term care residences are people’s homes and it’s important that residents and family members have a place to share concerns and ideas when it comes to decisions about how the homes are operating,” says Adrian Dix, Minister of Health.
“Long-term care providers have always recognized the important role a resident or family council plays in supporting a strong partnership between a care home, and residents and families,” says Terry Lake, CEO, BC Care Providers Association (BCCPA).
“Finding ways to work closely with families was never more important than during the worst of the pandemic, and as we begin to rebuild from the devastating impacts which COVID-19 had on care homes, we have an opportunity to recommit our sector’s commitment to truly hearing the voices of residents and families” he adds.
To support operators in their efforts to build strong partnerships with family councils, BCCPA has been developing a guide titled Supporting an Active Partnership: A Service Provider’s Guide to Family & Resident Councils. The document is intended for long-term care providers and includes a companion guide which can be shared with emerging or existing councils.
“The guide was developed with the support of a blue-ribbon advisory group, including operators of long-term care, seniors serving organizations, the Vancouver Coastal and Vancouver Island Associations of Family Councils, SafeCare BC, the Seniors Advocate of B.C., and the Ministry of Health,” says Lake.
“I am thankful for the Advisory’s contributions and look forward to the release of the forthcoming guide.”
This work also follows a special Care to Chat, held in 2021 titled Family Ties: Meaningfully Engaging Family and Resident Councils.
See the official news release from the Government of British Columbia here.
