12 Takeaways from the Resident Council Guide

The adage is true: knowledge is power. Knowing your rights and the policies that shape quality care is incredibly important to bettering the nursing home and care facility industry. But there is also power in using your voice. For those residents who are still able to advocate for themselves or are passionate about advocating for their fellow resident, a Resident Council might just be the strongest tool in your advocacy arsenal. Recently, the Moving Forward Nursing Home Quality Coalition released an official guide for Resident Councils. Here are 12 takeaways from the Resident Council Guide you should know.

What is a Resident Council?

First, we should probably define a resident council. A Resident Council is, first and foremost, a community building tool. More than that, though, a Resident Council is an “independent and organized group that meets on a regular basis to promote and enhance the quality of life for all residents.”

“A Resident Council’s most important and defining feature is that it is made up of residents, directed by residents, and works for residents.”

Resident Councils vary slightly in what services and help they provide for the other residents, but typically have common goals:

• Empower residents to speak up and improve quality of life
• Identify problems
• Promote good relationships between residents, families, and staff
• Support community events
• Raise funds for projects and activities

Another great benefit of residents councils is that they are not third-party advocates. They completely understand the current living conditions and residents needs at the particular nursing home. Plus, they can directly work with residents and hear, first-hand, every story and need.

12 Takeaways from the Resident Council Guide

1. Resident councils can be started by speaking with other residents and coordinating with administration to either resurrect an old council or start a brand new one. Residents from other facilities can also provide valuable insight into what is needed for a successful council. 
2. A member of the nursing facility’s staff must be appointed (or voted in) as part of the council.
3. It is always a good idea to involve, in some way, your state Long-Term Care Ombudsman.
4. An exploratory meeting with as many residents as possible is suggested. Use this time to explain what a Resident Council is, how it works, and gauge interest.
5. There are a few ways to organize the Resident Council. The two primary ways—Town Meeting or Representative models—depend on the level of involvement desired by the residents as a group.
6. Some Resident Council best practices include:
   1. Staff provide support but do not interfere or oversee council activities and meetings.
   2. The council establishes a clear purpose
   3. Residents freely express concerns and ideas
7. Good council members know and understand resident rights, understand that they represent all residents, and work together with other members towards a common goal.
8. Councils are run much like other organizations and groups with assigned roles, established bylaws, and meeting agendas.
9. Councils, while independent from nursing facility staff, must work with staff to resolve issues and plan events.
10. Fear of retaliation is a real issue for Resident Council members. However, by law, residents are protected from retaliation. Speaking to and involving an ombudsman is a great way to mitigate this fear.
11. It is best to have a clear and written set of rules regarding conflict and issue resolution that administrative staff are also aware of.
12. Always remember that a Resident Council “is made up of residents, is directed by residents, and works for residents.”

To learn more about Resident Councils, how to establish one in your community, and find more resources, read the full Guide.

If you or a loved one has been a victim of nursing home abuse or neglect, call Gharibian Law (866-642-5915) today for a FREE consultation and the best legal representation.