A reflection on Family Day and Long-Term Care
by C.J., FCO Placement Student
Family Day is a time for families to take time off from their busy schedules and spend time together, but on Family Day, it is also important to reflect and think about our families and how they have supported and cared for us. Within the long-term care sector, families have been and are crucial actors (Gaugler, 2005). Long-term care refers to a range of services and support for individuals who are unable to care for themselves due to chronic illnesses, disabilities, or age-related conditions, and families play critical roles in long-term care through caregiving, advocacy, volunteering, and through their participation in family councils (NIH).
As individuals in long-term care require daily support and help, caregiving is a major component of long-term care. Families are often the primary source of support for their loved ones, both physically and emotionally (Gaugler, 2005). This can include helping with daily activities, such as bathing, dressing, or meal preparation, as well as providing emotional support and companionship. This care is usually provided informally and used to supplement and support the care that formal long-term care homes offer (Gaugler, 2005). Caregiving does not necessarily start when the relative moves into a long-term care home, however, and often starts much earlier.
While reading the blogs on the Ontario Caregiver Organization website, it is clear there is no one specific type of caregiver. One example of a heartfelt blog about caregiving that I read was written by someone named Talia whose sister Rachel is on the autism spectrum and is nonverbal (OCO, 2022). Talia writes about how her position as a caregiver has evolved throughout the years, from “holding [Rachel’s hand] when outside” as children, to becoming a “major advocate for [Rachel’s] needs” (OCO, 2022, para. 2). This blog really demonstrates that familial caregiving and support for those in long-term care can, and does occur at any time.
Family caregivers are clearly a significant form of support and dedication to the individuals in long-term care; however, while rewarding, it can be a demanding experience that is emotionally and physically taxing for the family members (Schulz & Sherwood, 2008). Nevertheless, despite the challenge, many family members continuously and selflessly provide their support and care, and advocate for their loved ones (Gaugler, 2005).
In addition to caregiving, families also play a crucial role in long-term care through their participation in family councils. A family council is a volunteer-based “organized, self-led, self-determining, democratic group composed of the family members and friends of a long-term care home” (FCO). Family Councils can be found in nursing homes, assisted living homes, and other long-term care settings and work to ensure the needs and concerns of residents and their families are heard and addressed by the facility's staff and management (FCO). Family Councils also educate on a variety of topics and provide support to the families (FCO). Through their participation in Family Councils, families can help shape the policies and practices of long-term care facilities, making them more responsive to the needs of residents and their families and improving the quality of care for the residents. Currently, “there are hundreds of Family Councils and thousands of Council members across Ontario” who dedicate their time to the long-term care sector and their loved ones (FCO). This is another major contribution that families make to long-term care.
Families play a crucial role in long-term care through caregiving and through their active participation in family councils. Their contributions help ensure that the individuals in these long-term care homes receive the care and support they need to maintain their quality of life and independence. On Family Day this year, we acknowledge your family's contributions to the support of your loved one in long-term care.
If you are interested in learning more about the role of Family Councils or how to get involved with one, Family Councils Ontario (FCO) has several resources available. I also encourage you to look at the blogs on the Ontario Caregiver Organization website. Here are the links to both:
https://ontariocaregiver.ca/bl...
https://fco.ngo/resources/fami...
References
Family Councils Ontario [FCO]. (n.d.). Family Councils 101.
https://fco.ngo/resources/fami...
Gaugler, J. E. (2005). Family involvement in residential long-term care: A synthesis and critical review. Aging & Mental Health, 9(2), 105-118.
https://doi.org/10.1080/136078...
NIH. (n.d.). What is long-term care? National Institute on Aging.
https://www.nia.nih.gov/health...
Ontario Caregiving Organization. (2022, March 4). I’m Talia and this is my caregiving journey.
https://ontariocaregiver.ca/im...
Schulz, R., & Sherwood, P. R. (2008). Physical and mental health effects of family caregiving. AJN, American Journal of Nursing, 108(9), 23-27.