Why have a council? The lives of the residents are heavily controlled by laws, rules, and policies set by the government and nursing home. Compromises
{"Image DocumentName": "Why have a council?Image 1: Goodwin House Alexdria Resident Council.", "Image ImageDescription": "The lives of the residents are heavily controlled by laws, rules, and policies set by the government and nursing home. Compromises in lifestyle become necessary due to health problems and living conditions. These compromises and controls can make nursing home residents feel their opinions and preferences do not matter. A council gives the residents an active role in their life and a chance to influence decisions that affect them. Ask Ombudsman why have a council? Going to a nursing home is change\u2026health, lifestyle, surroundings, family, belongings, privacy, roommate.. The purpose of the council is to provide a forum for the residents to express themselves and suggest positive changes, many voices are stronger then one. An effective council reflects and meets the needs. Residents want to be heard and that they matter. This gives them a chance to share with each other and devise strategic wants. This can be a place for family council members to constructively channel their anger and concerns as an alternative to filing a complaints with outside agencies. The facility can focus on common facility-wide concerns. It builds a trusting relationship with the facility staff, while maintaining open communication. Council members can come up with creative ideas how to address concerns. Can give validation. Research has shown that when residents are encouraged in maintaining a sense of autonomy and control over their own life-there is less mental confusion and physical dependency (study by Elaine Brody of the University of Southern California Gerontology Center). Residents may fear retaliation, and the council provides support. Going back to Residents Rights.", "Image XResolution": "37", "Image YResolution": "37", "Image ResolutionUnit": "Pixels/Centimeter", "Image Software": "SlidePlayer", "Image YCbCrPositioning": "Centered"}