Getting Ready for Family Council Week!
by Family Councils Ontario
The annual Family Council Week celebration begins this Saturday, June 4th! Held annually in June-which is also Seniors’ Month! - this week celebrates the passion, hard work, dedication and contributions Family Council members make across the province. This year’s theme “Creating vibrant Long-Term Care Homes through family involvement!” reflects the impact family involvement has in the culture of a Long-Term Care Home.
Family Council Week began as a one-day event in 2010. The purpose was to celebrate and raise awareness of the large contribution Family Councils make to the health care system in Ontario through their work in Long-Term Care. It has since grown to a week-long celebration of the incredible work Family Councils do to support families, staff and residents; facilitate learning and education; aid effective communication; and, advocate on behalf of all residents. Family Council Week is also a great opportunity for Councils to have fun and recognize members’ contributions to the group!
Family Councils celebrate Family Council Week in a variety of incredible ways. Previous years’ celebrations have included film screenings (The Wexford, 2015), an Ice Cream Social (Parkview Home, 2015), education nights (peopleCare Stratford, 2014), a Family Council Day Expo (Village of Aspen Lake, 2012), BBQs (Photo on left: Sheridan Villa, 2012), and more! Check out our Newsletter Archive for stories and photos of past celebrations.
To mark Family Council Week 2016, we’re holding a webinar series featuring fantastic guest speakers! Join us for one or both of the webinars on Music and Self-Care (Monday June 6th 2pm) and Powers of Attorney and the Role of the Substitute Decision Maker (Tuesday June 14th 1pm). For more details and to register, visit ow.ly/7BHx3008VtX. Webinars allow Council members and Long-Term Care Home staff from across the province to join the educational sessions. Technology truly is an amazing gift for connecting with people across a large geographical area such as Ontario!
How are you marking Family Council Week this year? Visit our Facebook page or Tweet us to tell us what you’re doing to celebrate!