The Role of the Regional Association

Northern Association of Family Councils (NAFC):

  • Provides a forum for its members to network
  • Promotes awareness about and the benefits of Family Councils and Resident Councils operating in LTC homes in the region.
  • Provides support and advice to existing and emerging councils.
  • Promotes understanding and awareness of the Residential Care Regulations, Community Care and Assisted Living Act, Home and Community Care Policy Manual and other relevant statutes, regulations, policies and procedures.
  • Advocates on regional systemic issues (where many LTC homes in the northern region have the same issue).
  • Delegates/votes in 3 representatives to attend and represent NAFC at the Independent Long-Term Care Councils Association of BC (ILTCCABC) monthly meetings.

NAFC can assist emerging or existing councils:

  • Providing guidance to start a council.
  • Providing mentoring, support, tools and resources.
  • Assisting with troubleshooting at it relates to specific issues.
  • Local councils may also bring issues to regional councils to determine whether issues are site specific in nature, or regional in nature.
  • If the latter, they can address regional concerns with the local Health Authority.

NAFC can assist LTC home operators, residents and their families to establish a resident and/or family council by:

  • presenting at a town hall where residents, their families and representatives are invited to attend to learn about their legislated right to form a resident and/or family council.
  • informing residents and families about the regulations that pertain to the operations of councils in long term care homes and the importance and benefits of forming a council.
  • facilitating a Q & A after the presentation and offering to work with residents and families who are interested in taking the next steps to establish a council.

NAFC provides educational materials to help council members understand the LTC system: