Residents’ Council Education

With Education and Home Support Coaches located throughout the province, OARC's regional support model brings education, expertise, and personalized support closer to home. Our team works alongside residents, Residents' Councils, and long-term care teams to strengthen resident engagement, build confidence, and support meaningful Council participation.

Whether you need support in onboarding new Residents’ Council leaders and Assistants, strengthening your Council, understanding your legislative rights, or implementing change, these live, interactive presentations offer practical guidance, resources, idea-sharing, and answers to home-specific questions.

Below are our top requested presentations:

Residents’ Council 101 Presentation

An introductory session that provides residents and Council members with a clear understanding of the purpose, role, and impact of a Residents' Council. Participants will learn how Councils support resident voice, influence decision-making, and contribute to a positive home community.

Participants will gain:

• A stronger understanding of the purpose and impact of Residents’ Councils and how they can strengthen resident voice within their home
• Increased confidence in their role as Resident Council members and advocates
• Strategies to increase resident engagement, participation, and collaboration
• Practical ideas they can bring back to their Council to support growth and success

Transitioning to a Shared Leadership Model

This session explores how Residents' Councils can move beyond traditional leadership structures to create more opportunities for participation, collaboration, and shared responsibility. Participants will discover approaches that help build leadership capacity and foster meaningful engagement among all residents.

Participants will gain:

• A better understanding of how shared leadership can create a more inclusive and sustainable Residents’ Council
• Strategies to recognize and build on the strengths, interests, and abilities of all residents
• Ideas to encourage broader resident participation and develop future Council leaders

Benefits and Implementation of Residents’ Council Bylaws

Strong bylaws provide a foundation for effective Council operations. This session guides participants through the purpose, benefits, and key components of Residents' Council bylaws, while offering practical tips for creating, reviewing, or updating them.

Participants will gain:

• An understanding of how Bylaws can support a stronger, more organized, and effective Residents’ Council
• Tools to create clarity around Council processes, roles, and expectations
• Confidence in developing or updating Bylaws that reflect their Council’s needs
• A framework to support continuity, consistency, and successful transitions within their Council

Resident Bill of Rights’

Designed to build awareness and confidence, this session explores the Residents’ Bill of Rights (FLTCA, 2021) and its importance in supporting dignity, choice, respect, and quality of life in long-term care. Participants will learn how Residents' Councils can help promote and uphold these rights within their home

Participants will gain:

• A deeper understanding of residents’ rights and the role Residents’ Councils play in promoting and protecting them
• Increased confidence in supporting resident advocacy and ensuring resident voices are heard
• Ideas for creating a culture of respect, dignity, choice, and empowerment within their home
• Tools to help educate and engage fellow residents (or staff) about resident rights

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