Beyond Speaking Up: How Family Councils Turn Individual Voices into Collective Change

Something many family members experience but rarely discuss openly is the fear that speaking up could negatively affect the care of someone they love. What is often missing from this conversation is the recognition that Family Councils in long-term care provide a legislated mechanism designed specifically to help families raise concerns, collaborate, and work toward positive change.

Karen Tyrell, Dementia Consultant and Educator from Dementia Solutions, and Lisa Dawson, President of the Independent Long-Term Care Councils Association of BC (ILTCCABC), explored how Family Councils create a safe, collaborative way for families, residents, and care teams to work together to improve quality of life in long-term care.

How Family Councils in Long-Term Care Create Change

• Why families often hesitate to advocate and how to overcome that fear.
• The important role Family and Resident Councils play in creating meaningful change.
• How collaboration between families and care teams can lead to better outcomes for everyone.
• Practical ways to turn individual concerns into positive, lasting improvements.

Watch the presentation

Watch the full Beyond Speaking Up presentation to learn more about how Family Councils can help turn individual voices into collective change.

Resources from the session

Many resources for long-term care home teams, residents, families, and care partners were referenced during the session. We have gathered them in one handout for easy access: