OARC delivers education designed to support, strengthen and build capacity for Residents’ Councils in long-term care homes. We provide direct support, tools, procedures, guidance and engage the long-term care sector at a provincial level to support an enabling environment for residents. Click on the links below to learn more about what OARC offers.
Haven’t found the information you’re looking for? Would you like to request further education or support? Please complete and submit our service request form. An OARC Education Team member will confirm the receipt of your request within 7 business days to begin a plan that suits your Residents’ Council needs.
(approximately 45 minutes to 1 hour in length)
This presentation is designed to provide some foundational information about the role of Residents’ Councils in long-term care, with the goals of enhancing existing knowledge and understanding, as well as increasing resident engagement and inclusivity. A brief introduction to OARC and to the organization’s working Board of Directors and REAL membersis provided. Emphasis is placed on the significant role that residents have in guiding the quality and operations of their respective long-term care home. The role and responsibilities of the Residents’ Council Assistant and Administrator, as supportive partners to the Council, are also explored. An overview of the Fixing Long-Term Care Act, 2021, with specific emphasis on the powers and scope of Residents’ Councils are shared. Home-specific discussion and idea-sharing is highly encouraged.
(approximately 45 minutes to 1 hour in length)
Every Residents’ Council has a leadership component, often comprised of one of more residents acting in the capacity of leaders within the home to help support and guide Residents’ Council meetings and activities. In this presentation, an overview of various Residents’ Council structures is explored. The changing acuity and fluctuating interest of residents has made the sustainability of a traditional model of Council leadership (typically characterized by an elected Executive with defined roles such as President, Vice-President, Secretary and Treasurer) increasingly challenging in many long-term care homes. As a response to the changing needs of residents, many Councils have made the decision to transition to more of a resident strengths-based model, where resident leaders are identified and contribute based on their own unique interests and abilities. In this presentation, discussions will focus largely on the benefits of adopting a Shared Leadership Team model for Residents’ Council and gives some suggestions on how to trial and implement this change in leadership structure to enhance resident engagement and increase the effectiveness of the Council in the home.
This is a 1/2-day workshop brings together the 3 roles that are key in the success of Residents’ Councils; the Administrator, Residents’ Council President and the Residents’ Council Assistant. Participants have hands-on learning experiences as they build their team through a variety of exercises, reflections and tools. Teams are introduced to and learn how to use important tools that identify, organize and support resident feedback. Togetherness Training is offered in an in-person format.
To request support from OARC, including a presentation or workshop, please contact Mel Matheson, Education and Home Support Manager at extension x280 or by email: mmatheson@ontarc.com
Ontario Association of Residents' Councils
Mailing address:
4261 Highway 7 East
Suite # A14-360
Markham, ON L3R 9W6
Tel: 905-731-3710
Toll Free: 1-800-532-0201
Fax: 905-731-1755
E-mail: info@ontarc.com
OARC is funded
by the Ontario Ministry of
Long-Term Care
Founded in 1981 by Residents
of Long-Term Care homes in Ontario
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OARC is funded by the Ontario Ministry of Long-Term Care, membership dues and other revenue.
The views expressed in this publication are the views of OARC and do not necessarily reflect those of our supporters or the province.
