Collaborating with your Family Council Staff Assistant
by Family Councils Ontario
Written by Tiffany Fearon, FCO Client Services Manager
As a follow up to last week’s blog on Family Councils collaboration with home Licensee and Administrators, this week’s content will focus on collaboration with Staff Assistants.
The long-term care homes act provides detailed information on the capacity of Staff Assistants and their duties. Under the Act, a Family Council may request a long-term care home to appoint a Family Council assistant to support them. The licensee (through its designate) shall then appoint a Family Council assistant who is “acceptable” to that Council. (2007, c. 8, s. 61, 1)
The selected Staff Assistant is an ally. They are vehicles of support and connection to the home as a whole. The Staff Assistant is an individual that is deemed appropriate to fulfill their role. They may be the person that records minutes, arranges meeting space, and keeps the Council updated on various home related matters. They understand the need to maintain confidentiality and act as a trustworthy partner that will actively listen and ensure Council meetings remain safe spaces. Ultimately, the selected individual will take on assigned duties and report to the Family Council in accordance with the act (2007, c. 8, s. 61, 2)
It is also important for the Family Council to remember that their Staff Assistant is an employee within their home. They often have multiple responsibilities to fulfill as a staff person first, which requires both time and effort. With that being said, Family Councils should be mindful when communicating their wants and needs. It’s hard to accomplish everything at a single meeting, but Family Councils can work with their assistant to create agendas and timelines that include realistic goals.
Finally, it is important to recognize that respect and civility go a long way to strengthen the relationship between Staff Assistant and Family Council. When Family Council members and Staff Assistants feel respected and valued, they look forward to meeting and benefit from an ongoing relationship. The group dynamic is enhanced when interactions are meaningful and stress free. Positive group development is a reflection of willing and committed participants.
Let’s tip our hats off to the many Staff Assistants that work gallantly to support Family Councils and the ones that will take on the role in the future.