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Who Leads Resident Council?
Who among staff typically leads or facilitates Resident Council? Traditionally, in most states, it has been the activity director (or, occasionally the social worker or other middle manager.) Why do you suppose it is usually the activity director? Because we have viewed it as just another activity.
However, is Resident Council just another activity? No way, (or at least it shouldn’t
be). Look again at the last bullet, above, on the federal requirements. Do you “Listen to the views and act upon the grievances and recommendations concerning proposed policy and operational decisions affecting resident care and life in the facility?”
Wow! What a large role residents are supposed to play! Is that happening in your home?
We suggest the administrator lead Resident Council. This is not intended to usurp the valuable role of resident officers, but to supplement it. Residents do not supervise staff nor are they responsible for the budget, thus the involvement of the administrator
is invaluable. We put middle managers like activity directors in awkward situations when they are asked at Resident Council about issues outside their purview. They then have to follow up with managers in other areas to address issues residents brought up at the
last meeting. Administrators tell us that when they are present and leading the resident council discussion, “things get fixed right now,” (usually snapping their fingers for emphasis). Consider the possibilities...
Who should be there? Wise administrators expect the professional leads to attend council meetings. As the federal regulation states, staff and visitors may attend if invited by residents, so it is traditional to ask residents if staff may attend. Householders, you should decide how to handle this in your home.
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