A “Family Council” is a group of people who meet regularly to maintain and enhance the quality of life of residents in Long-Term Care (LTC). Family Councils are intended to be self-led, self-determining and democratic.
Every person living in a licensed LTC home, along with their “FAMILY” has the right to participate in a Council. In the Ministry of Health booklet, “Developing, Supporting and Maintaining Resident and Family Councils” on page 3 its states the term “FAMILY” is used inclusively to refer to important people in a resident’s life who may of may not be related by blood or marriage. This can be a family member, friend, or any other important person who the resident chooses as their representative.
A formal representative, such as someone she has been designated substitute decision making authority, is included in this broad definition of family.