Engagement and citizenship in long-term care: An exploration of resident and family councils

Resident and family councils refer to groups within long-term care (LTC) homes composed of residents and/or family members who meet on a regular basis to discuss matters of concern. In B.C., LTC residents and their family members have the right to participate in these councils, providing a potential avenue to influence decision-making. However, little is known about these councils, how they work, and whether they enable residents and families to influence change.
My postdoctoral research aims to address this knowledge gap through a qualitative study exploring how LTC councils work, how they engage residents and families in decision-making, and the broader contexts in which they operate. First, we will analyze the legal frameworks governing resident and family councils across Canada and compare how they define councils and the specific rights they afford. To explore how councils operate in practice, we will conduct ethnographic fieldwork in two LTC homes. Researchers will observe council meetings and conduct in-depth interviews with residents, family members and staff. Findings from the study will be used to create user-friendly resources highlighting promising approaches and policy recommendations.