The history of family councils and a call for volunteers

Become a Volunteer

In Oct 2022 the provincial association was incorporated under the legal entity name of the “Independent long-term care Councils Association of BC”. (ILTCCABC)

HISTORY: VCAFC WORK HAS JUST BEGUN

Then a major milestone:  November 2022 a change to the Community Care and Assisted Living Act which required all long-term care homes to engage with residents and families by way of establishing resident and/or family councils.

Our regional Family Council volunteers have been approaching long-term care Homes since then to help with the formation of self-led, self determining, Councils. This team of trained volunteers spent countless hours meeting with families and care homes giving guidance to Councils and encouraging families to participate.

The development of an independent provincial association of councils and its regional associations is focused on providing tools, training, education, and guidance to Councils across the province.  Our Ministry of Health has provided a Guide as one resource and our BC Care Providers Association has provided another resource, both aimed at developing and maintaining successful councils.

The development of ILTCCABC and its regional associations, focused entirely on Resident and/or Family Councils speaks to their enormous success of the work that has been done in securing the role of residents and families within the long-term care industry. Now the residents can have more say into their own care and the family voice is sought after and included at planning tables throughout the long-term care sector.

Over the years we have seen the shift in the population of people needing long-term care. Residents being admitted to care homes now have more complex needs than before and often can no longer advocate for themselves but have to rely on their caregivers. The family voice has become even more important.

We celebrate each member of every Council who makes a difference. Your commitment and perspective are invaluable in making sure our elders have the best care possible when they must move into long-term care.

Connect with us at VCAFC and join us in our pursuit for a family council to be established and supported in every long-term care home in our VCH region!

How often do we meet and what is my commitment?

  • VCAFC meets for an hour monthly as a regional association. Our Executive team meets monthly with the Provincial Association of Family Councils.
  • Our work is ongoing. Our members contribute as much or as little time they have. We seek engagement with anyone with direct experience in Long-Term Care and who is passionate in their advocacy for its improvement.
  • Individual members may take on added tasks that interest them or are a part of a special project with VCAFC (regional)  or ILTCCABC (provincial) directly.

New membership to the VCAFC is always welcome!

EIGHT GOOD REASONS FOR GETTING INVOLVED
1

Keeps you informed of what is going on in VCH, in BC, throughout Canada and even globally, in the advancement and advocacy for quality of life of residents in Long-Term Care
2

Gives you input into decisions and changes that may affect your loved one in Long-Term Care
3

Enables you to identify residents’ needs that can be met through a collective and an organized effort
4

Gives you an opportunity to voice concerns and become a more informed and effective advocate
5

Gives you an opportunity to network with other families and family councils
6

Gives you support and understanding through shared experiences with other families
7

Provides the opportunity to learn more about the VCH Long-Term Care vision and how we can influence its person-centered care in that development
8

Gives you an opportunity to use your experience, skills, interests, and talents to benefit family councils throughout VCH and BC