A family council is an organized, self-led, self-governing group of family and friends of long-term care residents. A family council meets regularly to discuss shared concerns about the quality of life and quality of care of the residents in their home, and find answers to shared problems. All family councils promote communication, action, support, and education. What each council does depends upon the needs of the residents and the choices of the council members.

For more information on how to start and maintain a family council, visit The National Consumer Voice for Quality Long-Term Care.