Q:
Our Resident Council has poor attendance. What documentation do we need to keep, and how can we improve participation?
A:
Documentation: Maintain detailed Resident Council Minutes for each meeting. These minutes should capture attendance, discussion points, decisions made, follow-up actions, and any feedback received.
Consider These Strategies to Improve Participation:
- Consistently promote the Resident Council and clearly communicate its benefits.
- Ensure residents have the necessary support to attend meetings (e.g., transportation or assistance from staff).
- Strengthen leadership support to encourage resident participation.
- Focus meetings on topics of genuine interest to the residents, such as resident rights and specific facility policies that directly impact care and quality of life.
- Share helpful information such as the role of the ombudsman.
- Ensure meetings are productive and engaging by keeping them efficient, interactive, and celebrating positive outcomes. Provide ample opportunity for residents to voice problems and identify possible solutions.
- Consider forming committees or assigning representatives from each unit or floor to encourage broader involvement.
- Implement a process for addressing resident complaints and feedback, such as a suggestion box or evaluation form.
- Recognize and reward active participation.
- Circulate meeting agendas in advance and invite staff or others to present educational topics or share insights to create a more dynamic environment.
Written by:
Clinical Consultant
Proactive LTC Consulting
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