In addition to new regulations, MoH is creating new resident and family council venues.
MoH has created NEW avenues for resident and family councils to elevate their voice to the Health Authority and MoH. These government venues will be in place by the spring of 2023.
MoH mandated the Health Authorities to form Regional Resident and Family Council Networks (RRFCN) where individual LTC home resident councils AND family councils can become members of this network. A council chair can attend and represent their council at meetings with the health authority at least twice per year with the purpose of providing them the opportunity to network with other councils in the same region and to identify challenges and share best practices.
Ministry of Health will also lead a Provincial committee consisting of chairs of the resident and family councils, health authority leadership and Ministry of Health licensing leadership. They will meet at least once a year. They will focus on addressing systemic issues and look to develop solutions for them.
NOW to our existing Independent Provincial and Regional Associations of Family Councils.
Independent Long-Term Care Councils Association of BC (ILTCCABC) is a “Provincial Association of Family Councils” representing the important collective voice of residents, their families, and residents’ representatives. The ILTCCABC is viewed by the MoH as an important partner (stakeholder in the LTC sector) and a valuable resource for the development of “Family Councils” in Long-Term Care (LTC).
ILTCCABC has its member “Regional Associations of Family Councils” operating in every health authority across BC. Most are in their infancy, only being formed in 2021. These regional associations invite family councils operating in long-term care (LTC) homes to become members of its association to enable them to network with other family councils within the same region.
Additionally, individuals in the community are encouraged to reach out to their respective regional association of family councils to inquire about becoming a volunteer member to advocate for family councils in long-term care homes. (eg. individuals who may currently or in the past have been involved in advocating to enhance the quality of care and quality of life of residents in long term care; individuals who may have previously worked or volunteered in long term care; individuals who may have been a member of a LTC Family Council at some point in time or has lived experiences from when a loved one resided in LTC.). Each regional association determines its membership through its own terms of reference or bylaws.
These regional associations volunteers assist LTC home operators and resident’s families and representatives to learn about, establish and maintain effective “Family Councils”. Experienced volunteers can share their knowledge of the LTC system. The regional associations of family councils offer resources to equip family councils with the tools they need to enable them to advocate effectively on behalf of all residents.
In a collective effort, ILTCCABC and it member associations gather perspectives and recommendations relevant to quality of life and quality of care for all residents. This collective voice is elevated to the Health Authorities and MoH.