Kasandra, driven by her desire to make a positive impact on her parents' lives in long-term care, joined the family council at Fieldstone Commons Community in 2016. With her mother battling dementia, the caring staff at Fieldstone Commons had been invaluable in helping them navigate the challenges of the disease. Inspired by her positive experience, Kasandra became the Chair of the Family Council, with the hope of making a difference.
Little did she know that her involvement would become even more crucial during the unexpected arrival of the pandemic. As public health protocols limited family visits, the Family Council became a vital link between the care home and families. Fieldstone Commons' Executive Director, Director of Care and IPAC Lead joined their online meetings, providing updates and answering questions. Together, they bridged the gap between the home and families, addressing their needs during those challenging times.
“Getting involved with a home’s family council is one the best ways to engage and foster a sense of community between families and team members,” says Kasandra. “I’ve developed an appreciation for everyone’s efforts in trying to make things better, especially through a more open dialogue, which helps solve problems together.”
Through council meetings, Kasandra and other family members gained insights into the inner workings of the care home. They learned about cleaning schedules, which they shared with other families, promoting a greater understanding of infection prevention efforts and care quality. These efforts fostered a sense of community when the world was locked down.
In 2021, Sienna Senior Living established an Advisory Group for families and one for residents to further involve them and shape new programs across their care homes. Kasandra's extensive experience and background as a retired human resources professional made her an ideal candidate for the advisory group. Nominated by the executive director at Fieldstone Commons, she gladly accepted the volunteer position to advocate for residents and families.
The family group's contributions have had a significant impact, including the creation of Sienna's Settle-In program. Incorporating residents' and families' perspectives, this program enhances the move-in experience for new residents, emphasizing personalized care. The group's feedback formed the basis of a journey map, outlining four phases of the move-in process where care homes actively partner with residents and families.
“I applaud the work of the family advisory groupl and I think this is a very proactive step toward creating new and improving existing programs that can be used consistently across Sienna,” says Kasandra. “It’s been very rewarding to see how tapping into our experience as family members has contributed to change.”
Kasandra's involvement highlights the significance of family engagement in long-term care. Families offer invaluable perspectives and understanding, transforming residents' experiences and fostering a sense of belonging. Their involvement strengthens the bond between families and care homes while driving positive change and continuous improvement in the lives of their loved ones.
“Being able to contribute in such a meaningful way breathes new life into me,” says Kasandra.
“It’s rewarding to see the changes that are happening and to know that we are making long-term care feel more like home for our loved ones.”
