Residents’ Councils
What is a Residents’ Council?
Residents’ Councils are a vital part of the culture and experience in every long-term care home. And every home in Ontario is required by law to have one!
A Residents’ Council is a formal advisory group that is independent of the long-term care home and belongs to the residents.
All residents are part of the Residents’ Council regardless of whether or not they attend meetings.
Residents’ Council meetings provide:
- A safe place for residents to come together as peers
- A forum to share successes and challenges and reach consensus decisions.
- An opportunity to actively engage in discussions about quality improvement and home operations.
The foundation of a strong, effective Residents’ Council includes three pillars working in partnership to maximize resident engagement, and to realize the full legislated scope and powers of a Residents’ Council. These pillars include the residents, an appointed Residents’ Council Assistant, and the home Administrator.
How do I get involved?
Join a Resident Forum
Connect with residents from across Ontario to share experiences and get ideas for supporting your Residents’ Council.
Attend a Council meeting
Check the Residents’ Council board in your home to find out when your next meeting is happening. Every resident is welcome to participate.
Talk to your Council leaders
Find out who your Residents’ Council leaders are and ask how you can become more involved in your home’s Council.
How it works
A Residents’ Council reflects the needs of each home’s resident population. Each can be run differently, with unique leadership structures, meeting times, mandates and goals.
OARC has created a series of Residents’ Council Fact Sheets to help support councils in specific areas, such as finances or leadership models.
Through Our Eyes: Bringing the Residents’ Bill of Rights Alive
Residents’ Bill of Rights – CLEO Guide
Residents’ Council Week Poster
Frequently asked questions
Every person living in the long-term care home is a member of their Residents’ Council, regardless of whether they are actively attend meetings.
OARC has developed several resources to support residents’ understanding of their Council’s scope and powers. Consider reviewing our Fact Sheets:
Update your Residents’ Council information
Keep OARC connected with your Residents’ Council by making sure your information is up to date.
