Family Council News and Information

Family Council

Our Family Council

What is a Family Council? A Family council is a forum for friends and families of residents to meet and share experiences, learn and exchange information

How can Family Councils help? Family councils play an important role for residents and for their families and friends. A family council can provide information and mutual support to family and friends of residents in care to help them better understand and cope with their loved one's experience of living in care, and the care facility environment. Family councils also provide an opportunity for two-way communication with staff at the care facility. A well-functioning family council supports not only the residents and their families and friends, but also acts as a supportive resource for staff thus completing a care circle that promotes high-quality care.

Columbus Residence's Family Council meets monthly. If you would like to learn more about our Family Council, please contact Pam Hamilton in our Recreation Department, at (604)321-4405 Ext 124 (Mondays or Thursdays).

Making Visits Meaningful

For those family and friends who would like help in making their visits with an elderly loved one more meaningful and rich, Columbus Residence's Mission Integration team has some recommended reading for you.

"Visiting with Elders" is a an online handbook produced by the Departments of Social Work and Therapeutic Recreation at Baycrest in Toronto, an academic health sciences center focused on aging.

Click here for the link to this useful handbook: Visting with Elders (pdf)