Strengthening Relationships with an Invitation
by Family Councils Ontario
Written by Tiffany Fearon, FCO Client Services Manager
Do you remember the excitement that surrounded receiving a party invitation from a friend in primary school? That invitation would list everything you needed to know including the where, when, and what to bring. Fast forward to the present and invitations are still a great thing to receive; whether it be to a special celebration, the grand opening of a new restaurant, or a coffee date between friends. Invitations are an indication that your presence is important to the host or group of people involved in planning the event. Family Council meetings are often the forum where members will talk about various topics related to their respective long-term care home. It is a safe space to provide peer support, communicate experiences, and discuss collective goals to improve the day to day lives of residents. Although it is great to develop and nurture relationships between members at these meetings, extending invitations to external guests is a great best practice.
Getting to know your Long-Term Care Staff team
There is so much to learn when it comes to the roles within a long-term care home. From the Dietician, to the Personal Support Worker, to the Recreational Manager; long-term care home staff all serve a pivotal function to allow for needs of residents to be met. Family Councils can extend invitiations to members of home staff to attend a Family Council meeting to provide informative updates on their work and departments. It is great opportunity to have individuals from the home’s management team discuss topics such as budgets, programming, and structural changes that have an impact on the overall operation of the home. Family Councils that do this have the chance to voice concerns and make recommendations on a face to face level that often helps to strengthen relationships.
Peer Support between Family Councils in your region
Extending invitations to Family Councils in the area is also a great way to network and broaden the reach. Hosting a meeting devoted to getting to know members from nearby Councils is a great approach to learn new practices, exchange ideas, and create an occasion for external peer support.
Structuring Time
Family Councils can use their own structures to decide on how they will designate time for guests to be incorporated into meetings. They may determine a set amount of time for invited home staff or guest speakers to present their materials and allow for questions. There are numerous creative and innovative styles Family Councils can use to format their meetings to fit their objectives.
By Invitation Only
It is important to note that an invitation to a Family Council meetings does not equate to having the ability to attend meetings on an ongoing basis. It is imperative that the members of the Council have collectively agreed upon the date, time, and reason behind an external guest’s attendance. For Family Councils to remain a safe space, it is important that the parameters around invitations are clear for all involved parties.
To cultivate effective Family Councils across the province, it is essential to actively seek out new ways to collaborate and exchange knowledge. It’s about time we get excited about sending invitations and receiving them on a regular basis!