Illinois Family Council Project

Family members and direct-care staff members in nursing homes have a lot in common. Both are interested in ensuring that nursing home residents enjoy the best possible care and quality of life. In order to build on this natural connection, Consumer Voice has partnered with Illinois Citizens’ for Better Care (ICBC) to help family members of nursing home residents in Illinois to organize family councils. Family councils work together to improve the care of their loved ones by resolving common concerns with facility management, improving communication with direct care staff, advocating for improved staffing levels and opportunities, supporting each other, and sponsoring activities.

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Educational Materials
Trainings
Listserv
Newsletter
More Information

Educational Materials

If you are interested in starting a family council or working to make a council more effective, please see below for tips, strategies, and sample materials for building effective, efficient, thriving family councils.

The How-To Why-To Guide to Smart, Strong Family Councils - this eight-page, easy-to-read document includes the basics; how to organize your council, recruit members and take action; and a list of community resources with contact information.
Sample Poster
ICBC Family Council Brochure
Consumer Voice Family Member Fact Sheets
Consumer Voice Family Council Fact Sheets

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Trainings

Illinois Family Council Coalition

Family members of IL nursing home residents are welcome. For more information, join the IL Family Council listserv at Illinois-Family-Councils@googlegroups.com.
Illinois Family Council conference calls for Family Council members
How Family Councils Can Resolve Staffing Issues: January 18, 2007 - Notes from the Call
Nursing Home Staff Roles: What They Are and What They Mean for Family Members: February 27, 2007 - Notes from the Call

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Listserv

Share your successful advocacy strategies, progress, and positive legislation, announce upcoming events, and seek assistance from Family Councils working on similar issues in nursing homes across the state! Become part of the IL Family Council community – join ICBC’s family council listserv. To sign up or learn more, visit: http://groups.google.com/group/Illinois-Family-Councils

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Newsletters

As a method of sharing information about family council strategies, activities and state policy developments related to nursing homes, ICBC will be issuing periodic newsletters. Please contact ICBC if you would like to be added to the mailing list.

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More Information

For more information, contact
Illinois Citizens for Better Care
220 South State Street, Suite 1928
Chicago , IL 60604
www.illinoiscares.org
email: icbc@core.com
tel. (312)663-5120 or (312)730-8370.

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