Learning and sharing at last week’s Family Council Education & Networking Day
by Family Councils Ontario
Last week’s Family Council Education & Networking Day at Dufferin Oaks in Shelburne was a resounding success! Together we learned, shared, and networked with the goals of improving seniors care, cultivating effective Family Councils, and supporting each other.
Our keynote speaker, Dr. Chris Simpson, spoke on why and how to improve seniors’ care in Canada. We all learned a lot about what is working well and ideas on how to improve what isn’t. Following the keynote address, Dr. Simpson, Scott McLeod, CEO of the Central West LHIN, and Mary Wheelwright, Director, Health Systems Integration at Headwaters Health Care Centre, participated in a panel discussion. They discussed what their respective organizations are doing to improve seniors’ care and how they are working with the public, including family caregivers, to effect change. A big 'thank you' to our speakers for sharing their time and ideas with us!
The Family Council Recruitment Best Practices session discussed what works for recruiting new Council members and keeping them interested. We had a lively discussion on how to
determine what motivates people to join a Family Council, how to overcome barriers to involvement, and specific tools and strategies that work well. Our networking session rounded out the day and included discussions on a wide variety of topics, from how LTC is funded, to ideas for staff appreciation activities, advance care planning, and more. We all took away great ideas and tips!
Networking with other Family Councils is a great way to learn what works and how to overcome challenges. Connecting with Family Council members from a neighbouring or far-away Home can help you get new ideas to try at your Home, suggestions for guest speakers, and can provide a way to give and receive support. Use our online database of Family Councils to connect with Councils across the province: http://www.fco.ngo/family-councils/connect-other-family-councils
All photos courtesy of Chris McGinnis, Dufferin Oaks Family Council member. Thanks, Chris!