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However, at the Edmonton General Continuing Care Centre, long-term care residents and their families are actively engaged in developing a community that provides hope, comfort and support to the 460 seniors living there.
In 2002, a Family and Community Advisory Council (FCAC) was established, chaired by a member of the community, to ensure strong links between continuing care decision-makers and the family and friends of residents in the facility. The council believes that active participation is the key to building a strong community. By resolving concerns as they arise and promoting positive activities, FCAC has added to this sense of community. The Goals of the Family and Community Advisory Council are:
to offer families a means to give each other support and to share information;
to provide family members with an opportunity to express their ideas and work together for positive change;
to be a voice for residents who are not able to express themselves or for those without family;
to establish meaningful lines of communication between families, friends and staff; and
to improve the quality of life for all the residents of the Edmonton General.
Members of the FCAC have represented Edmonton General residents' at public forums; and provided input to government task forces and been a part of Alberta Continuing Care Association initiatives. The council has also hosted local politicians to voice their concerns.
One of the most significant initiatives of the FCAC is the introduction of Second Wind Dreams. This is a program where a resident's family or a staff member can request a dream for a resident. Since its inception, almost 60 dreams have been fulfilled.
The dreams range from having a manicure, to eating a seafood feast, to having a family portrait taken to, and being a visiting guest at a golf tournament.
As an advocate group for the residents at the Edmonton General, FCAC has presented to a MLA task force on seniors' issues and has invited local politicians to speak with residents. They have hosted three open houses and were instrumental in the development of a roof top garden for residents and families to enjoy. The council is currently working on developing a welcoming committee and preparing for a staff appreciation event.
The Family and Community Advisory Council compliments the work of the Residents' Council. Residents' Council consists of a group of residents who meet monthly with the Vice-President, Continuing Care, to share their perspectives and experiences at the Edmonton General and to voice any concerns they may have.
The councils meet on a regular basis to provide input and to identify ways the Edmonton General community could be strengthened and supported by working together with administration to share their hopes and concerns, their ideas and their needs. Most importantly, it helps to facilitate and promote a positive relationship to enhance the regarding quality of life for those who live at the Edmonton General.
To learn more about either council, please contact the Administration Office at 780-342-8225.
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