What is Residents’ Council?

At every Extendicare long-term care home is a Residents’ Council where all residents are welcome to participate, share ideas, discuss concerns, be involved in their home and receive support.

Council meetings are run by the residents of the home. Extendicare team members also participate in Residents’ Council meetings. It is a vital collaboration that enhances the quality of care and services in our homes.

To learn more about Residents’ Council we spoke to members across our network explain including:

• Pat, Vice President, Residents’ Council, Vista Park Lodge in Winnipeg, Manitoba
• Catherine, Recreation Coordinator and Residents’ Council Member, Vista Park Lodge in Winnipeg, Manitoba
• Dickie, President, Residents’ Council, Riverside Place in Windsor, Ontario
• Bernadette, President, Residents’ Council, Laurier Manor in Ottawa, Ontario,

What is Residents’ Council?

Pat, Vista Park Lodge: Residents’ Council is an opportunity for staff and residents to get together to discuss many of the activities going on at the care home.

Bernadette, Laurier Manor: Working with administration, getting them involved, and they’re coming to the residents’ meetings. They’re coming to talk with you. That will help with the relationship between residents and staff that will go a long way

Catherine, Vista Park Lodge: I think resident council is really important because it gives the residents an opportunity to be part of their home.

Dickie, Riverside Place: My voice is important, and I hope I can contribute here as much as they have contributed to me.

How can Residents’ Councils make a difference in their homes?

Pat, Vista Park Lodge: Very recently we had a decision made on painting the safety rails that are here in the building, on the stairwells and in the hallways.

Catherine, Vista Park Lodge: I think resident council is really important because we can learn from our residents. They're much older and wiser than we are and they have different opinions. I think it's really important to learn from them.

Dickie, Riverside Place: Residents’ Council gives us the opportunity to make a difference in all areas of our home. We have a voice to air not only complaints but also appreciation for those who make a difference in our lives.

Bernadette, Laurier Manor: It’s great to see that we're all working together trying to make it better. That's really good.

What would you say to a resident who is on the fence and not sure if they should join their own residents’ council?

Dickie, Riverside Place: I would extend an invitation to them and mention that they can come and try it out, if nothing else, to come for the opportunity to meet others within the home and for the social experience that being a part of a committee can offer. Once they come and check it out, they can make the choice based on their own observations.

Pat, Vista Park Lodge: What better way is there to be involved in the care that you're getting?

Residents who are interested in participating in their Residents’ Council can reach out to the administrator of their long-term care home for more information.