Frequently Asked Questions

• Family Councils give families and friends of residents in long‑term care homes a source of ongoing mutual support, helping to cope emotionally and practically, especially during transitions such as a new move into care.
• They provide a space for learning and information-sharing—on topics like residents’ rights, health issues (e.g. dementia), how the home operates, and more.
• Councils foster partnerships between families and the home—enabling families to understand policies, ask questions, and work collaboratively with staff.
• They give families a collective voice. By working as a group, families can raise shared concerns, suggest improvements, and advocate for changes that benefit residents as a community.
• Family Councils also help represent residents who may not be able to advocate for themselves — including those who are physically or mentally unable, or who do not have visitors.

No. A Family Council is meant for collective concerns, recommendations, and general issues affecting multiple residents or families. Individual concerns (e.g. a specific medical complaint or personal issue) should be addressed directly with the home’s staff or administration, via the home’s established complaint or feedback processes. 

Council meetings should be chaired by a family member or friend, not by long‑term care home staff. While the home may assign a “Staff Assistant” to support the Council (e.g. attend meetings or act as liaison), the Council remains autonomous, self‑led, and independent in decision‑making.

Homes can support the Council by:

• Providing a meeting space and possibly refreshments.
• Including notices about Council meetings or events in the home’s regular mailings or newsletters.
• Offering a designated bulletin board for Family Council announcements.
• Respecting Council autonomy by allowing families to meet privately (without staff) if they choose. 

Typically, the answer is no. While some Long‑Term Care homes have a separate “Residents’ Council,” Family Councils are intended for family members and friends. Combining the two can lead to family voices overshadowing resident voices—due to differences in needs, abilities, and communication styles. That’s why separate Councils (Residents’ Council & Family Council) are often preferred. However, when appropriate, the two Councils may coordinate or work together.

No. Participation in a Family Council is not the same as being a volunteer in the home’s formal volunteer program. Council members give their time to support Council‑related activities (meetings, advocacy, communication), but do not operate under staff direction. Those interested in volunteering directly with residents or home services should approach the home’s volunteer coordinator. Some individuals may choose to do both.

Yes! A Family Advisory Committee is not the same as a Family Council. Advisory Committees may include staff, community members, or broader representation, and often focus on providing advice or input to home leadership. A Family Council’s purpose is to support families and residents, provide mutual aid, information, and act as a collective voice from families. The two serve different roles—many homes benefit from having both.

Fundraising is not the primary purpose of a Family Council. However, some Councils choose to raise funds to support special activities or items beyond what the home provides (e.g. resident events, small comforts, decorations). Councils should not fundraise for things the home is required to provide. If planning fundraising, Councils should:

• Clearly define what they intend to achieve
• Use transparent and appropriate fundraising practices
• Consult resources such as those provided by reputable nonprofit guidance organizations before starting fundraising efforts.

• Councils were recognized under the Long-Term Care Homes Act (2007, Ontario), and again in the Fixing Long-Term Care Act (2021, Ontario)—giving them a formal role within the long-term care system.
• Under the Act, Councils can:
  • Provide advice and information to residents and families, especially when new residents are admitted.
  • Provide feedback and recommendations to the home regarding care, quality of life, policies, and other collective concerns.
  • Plan and sponsor activities for residents, and contribute to improving the home environment or services (subject to what the home provides).
• The Act also specifies who cannot be a Council member — typically excluding home management, staff, licensees, or contractors of the home. Councils themselves determine membership rules (e.g. eligibility, term limits) through their own Terms of Reference.
• The home’s licensee has a legal obligation to cooperate with the Family Council—including supporting its establishment, providing a Staff Assistant if requested, and consulting with the Council at least quarterly.

Yes. Membership in a Family Council does not automatically end if a resident (your loved one) passes away. Because the Council is autonomous, they can set rules in their Terms of Reference about continuing membership. The home’s licensee or staff do not have the authority to block someone from staying involved.

No. The Act (or associated legislation) does not guarantee additional funding for homes simply because a Family Council exists. Financial matters and funding remain separate from the Council’s legal recognition.