A new bill introduced by the provincial government last fall could help put more control in the hands of long-term care residents and their families.
Bill 22, the Resident and Family Councils Act, guarantees residents and families at most long-term and supportive care facilities the right to create councils to help direct quality-of-life issues, such as meals and recreational activities.
The bill would apply to public, private and non-profit facilities that have four or more residents. Employers or operators of those facilities would be required to work with the family care council to improve care.
AUPE members employed at these facilities have long been a voice dedicated to improving the quality of services residents receive.
Protecting and enshrining the right to create these councils under Alberta law is a step toward improving conditions at facilities across the province. Mandating the employer''s participation could help ensure accountability and provide residents and their families recourse if they have concerns about the quality of care being provided.
Alberta Health says it will develop an information guide for the councils in consultation with residents, their families and facility operators.
The legislation was expected to pass into law after press time and will take effect on April 1, 2018.