What We Do

What is the purpose of FAFC?

The Short answer: Networking, Knowledge-Sharing, Education and Advocacy

 

FAFC provides a forum for networking family council of long-term care in the Fraser region to discuss common issues, and work to find solutions, and ultimately, share our concerns and ideas with our provincial association of family councils; a registered non-profit society named Independent Long-Term Care Councils Association BC (ILTCCABC). 

FAFC is one of 5 regional associations which meet at the provincial level, bringing systemic issues to the attention of the Ministry of Health and other organizations who support quality of life for residents in long-term care.

What specific work does FAFC do?

FAFC guides and supports

existing family council, in governance: to be self-led, self-directed and democratic; working respectfully and collaboratively with the senior leadership team on issues directly impacting the quality of life of Residents.

We encourage and inspire

Family, Friends and Caregivers of Residents in long-term care homes where family council may not exist but may have the desire to establish one.

We engage with resident councils

where long-term care homes would like advice and ideas around their council start up, maintenance and effectiveness.

We offer support to transition family groups

which are staff led to family councils which are self led. This transition is necessary to support the self-determining nature of family council which enables unfiltered but systemic issues to rise to the attention of long-term care administration in a respectful and collaborative manner.

We work with long-term care Operators

to discuss their family and resident engagement. We explore possibilities or improvement in their staff/family/resident relationship building.

We provide Family Council members educational opportunities

so they can better understand Residential Care Regulations, Community Care and Assisted Living Act and other relevant statutes, regulations, policies, and practices as they pertain to implementing family and or resident councils in long-term care.

We participate in research opportunities

where there may be opportunities to contribute to collection of information around the effectiveness of Councils in long-term care seeking to know more about the barriers and benefits of resident and family engagement in long-term care.