Trivia and small celebrations mark Residents’ Council Week at Forest Hill

Trivia to reinforce the important role residents’ councils play in long-term care homes as well as small celebrations to honour residents who advocate for themselves and others marked the second annual Residents’ Council Week at Forest Hill.

Residents’ Council Week was Sept. 13-19.

The week, organized by the Ontario Association of Residents’ Councils (OARC), aims to raise awareness of the role residents’ councils play in long-term care homes.

Forest Hill life enrichment co-ordinator Craig Forrest organized a week-long trivia for team members focused on residents’ councils and the Residents’ Bill of Rights.

Staff members at the Kanata, Ont. long-term care home were asked questions to test their knowledge about councils and about the bill of rights. They submitted their answers to Craig.

The three staff members with the most correct answers will be awarded gift cards in the coming days.

Craig says the idea behind the trivia contest was to help keep the Residents’ Bill of Rights top of mind and to reinforce the importance of residents’ councils in long-term care homes.

“There are a few questions they’ll definitely have to look up, and this is a way to get them learning more about the Residents’ Bill of Rights as well as our residents’ council,” Craig tells The OMNIway.

On Sept. 17, there were small celebrations among residents and staff on each floor of Forest Hill, with cookies, tea and coffee offered to everyone.

OARC explains the crucial part councils play in the lives of long-term-care home residents.

“(Residents’ councils) bring residents together as peers to discuss issues of importance and to stay connected and engaged in home operations and decision-making,” the website states.

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