Activities include:

• Welcoming and supporting families.
• Education and information.
• Action on concerns and complaints.
• Communication within the home.
• Special activities for the residents.
• Recognizing staff.
• Connection to community resources.
• Speaking out on public issues.

1. Find out if a family council exists. If it does, JOIN IT. Become an ACTIVE member.
2. If there is not a strong, independent family council, START ONE, even if you've never led a group in your life. FRIA can help, and through us you can meet others who have gone ahead and done it.
3. REPRESENT your council at the coalition of council leaders FRIA has brought together to support and learn from each other.

Some nursing home administrators may be unsupportive of an independent family council. However, families must know their own rights, as well as those of the resident.

THE RIGHT TO ORGANIZE . Federal and state regulations state that families of nursing home residents have the right to meet together in the facility. The facility must provide the group with space, privacy and, if it is wanted, staff support for meetings. The administration must listen to the views and act upon the grievances and recommendations of families.

WALKING A FINE LINE: SUCCESS REQUIRES BOTH ADVOCACY AND COOPERATION .

 In order for family councils to be effective they must be able to:

• work cooperatively and communicate well with the administration of the facility AND
• take a strong, independent stand when needed to force the administration to act when care is inadequate.

FRIA can help you negotiate these often conflicting roles.

© 2001, FRIA