Resident Council

[Laree 0]

Help! I need a little advice regarding resident council meetings and minutes. Well, I KNOW how to keep the minutes, but what is the best way to have each discipline respond to concerns and get their response in the minutes? We are assisted living and have just added a skilled wing so we are new at this council thing! Thanks in advance for any input!

[Stacy 0]

I have a sheet that I made up for responses. It states the department that the concern is going to, the conern that was made, and then a response from the department head. I also put on the sheet the date that it needs to be returned, and a signature.

 

I can email it to you if you want.

 

Stacy

[Pennie 26]

Hey,

 

I made the same type of form up that Stacy made up. The only thing I would ad is that I make a copy of the Concern/Reply Form I keep the orginal one with the mins. then 1 goes to the admin & 1 to the dept head (the dept that needs to address this) and if you have a res, council president s/he gets a copy. Once I recieve the reply back from that dept. I tear up the orginal form attach they reply to the mins for the next meeting. The Res Council Pres gets a copy of this as well as one for the admin as a FYI from you.

This way you have covered yourself if you get no reply and make notes if you send it out more than once or if you speak with the dept head or admin about getting a reply back. If they don't reply back by next meeting make a note in you mins. telling the res that you didn't get a response.

Cover your *ss on this :-D

[Diana 0]

Thanks Stacy and Pennie - I like those ideas - I usually just write in the "old business" section of my Resident Council minutes their responses and if the residents are satisfied with results.

So far no problems, but I might want to take it a step further and add their responses and signatures.

 

Thanks again!

[dawn 0]

I believe having the resident fill out a concer form that goes to social servies which helps getting complaints solved quicker. also i have the residents sign in. That way the resident can remember that they attended it also show the state they have control over the meeting proof that resident where there

[breannclrk 0]

Hi there, I am new to this so please bare with me... I am also getting use to the Resident Council thing, is there any way that I could get a copy of that form you were mentioning? I would greatly appreciate it!!

Thanks a bunch!

BreAnn

[Diana 0]

HI BreeAnn, post your fax number and I'll fax the Resident Council form for you.

[Guest Susie]

Our Resident Council invites the dept heads to the meetings. Each dept head introduces him or herself, talks a bit about what's going on in their dept, and asks if there are any questions or concerns. Problems are addressed then & there with no annoying paperwork other than taking minutes. Residents may also bring something up at the council without any staff present if they wish.

[Diana 0]

Oh Boy!!!!!!!!

I am at a loss!!!!!!

 

Our Resident Council President had an outburst during a Bingo game on Tuesday (very much unlike her, due to med changes), and after she left Resident Council today the rest of the residents stayed and said they want her to step down as president, due to her outburst of anger about Bingo. During Resident Council, we made up new rules about Bingo, all of which are to be posted in the dining room at all times and apply to all Bingo's played.

 

The administrator wants us to wait it out the next month till next Resident Council meeting in December, but I think the other residents will see that as stalling. We vote on new Resident Council Offices in January, but I think the extra two months will be too long a wait.

 

Anyone have any advice, or similar problems?

 

I am just praying I am doing the right thing!!!!

[lllucas 0]

Hi, Diana! :-)

 

I'm not sure this will help you, but here's what we do in our facility.

 

Resident Council Policy: An officer may voluntarily resign at any time. If the officer has continuing health problems that render the officer unable to perform their duties for three consecutive months, the officer will be asked to resign and a replacement officer will be elected by the Resident Council.

 

I have had a situation where the Council President was not able to do his job. (Actually, he was a tyrant and the council members hated his guts!). I took two staff members and two members of the council with me and talked to him in his room. My approach was concern for his health (ha, ha...I think some of the residents would like to have done him in). But, seriously, he understood what I was saying and was also concerned about his health because of the stress of being the president of the council. Before we ended the meeting, he voluntarily resigned...with his dignity intact. There were no further problems.

 

You might give this a try. Be prepared, be polite and take witnesses with you. Also, take a letter of resignation with you to let her sign.

 

Best wishes,

 

Linda Lucas, AD

http://www.theactivitydirectorsoffice.com ;-)

 

PS: By the way...we have outbursts during Bingo every once-in-while, too. Do you think your president's mood will adjust with her new meds? Maybe she can step aside until there is a return to normal behavior. Just a thought. :hammer:

[Pennie 26]

Hi,

I was wondering if the other res. knew that her behavior was related to health issues or does it even matter to them?

Also was the out burst and the council request for her to step down documented in the mins?

If not you need to be sure and get them in there.

The problem will need to be addressed just like any other type of concerns that the council has.

I would also go to the Administrator with the key people from your council group and speak with him/her. (be sure that you have explained to them before hand what the Adm. is asking them to do etc..

Once they have meet with her make up a game plan from there.

 

I had to fired a lady too. I also took extra staff and res. council members. I don't remember excatly what we told her but she did not take it well. But in a few days all was OK and she was at the next meeting, with her attitude which was not new to any of use and the reason they wanted her out! However it was easier for all involved because she was not a Pres. now.

 

Let us know what happens and good luck

[lllucas 0]

Hi, Pennie :-)

 

I just wanted to ditto your comments. After the fellow resigned he was accepted as a member of council and had a chance for input the same as the others. And...they listened to him. Crazy!

 

Linda Lucas, AD ;-)

[Diana 0]

Thanks you guys!

I had a silly idea that i was the only one who had to approach a president with this!

 

Yes, all of this is properly documented in the Minutes, including how the meeting was concluded and how the rest of teh residents stuck around after the president left.

 

When I told the President about the recommendation to resign, she simply said "Ohhh." And then I let her read the minutes (after I had already spoken with the administrator) of the meeting. She didn't seem overly upset, but I do know that currently nursing and the social worker are still working on her psych meds. When she's on them, she's very calm and collected! Due to not having any behaviors, it's the old "well, she doesn't need psych meds if she doesn't have any behaviors." It's the stupidist thing I have ever heard of!!!

 

I haven't told the other residents about the medical reason she had the outburst, due to HIIPA - also due to the fact that I don't think she realizes that's the reason.

 

Thanks again! I appreciate this so much - Always a first time for everything!

[Margi 0]

I was wondering about the new bingo rules that you posted in the dining room. Our bingo games are getting very tense. The residents get angry if someone comes in late. We have many outburst. The person that is late can not always help it if they were at the doctor or the beauty shop. Our residents are wanting me not to let anyone play that is not there on time. I don't know if I can stop them from playing. Is there any state guidelines on this? Would I be violating their rights by not letting them play? What about the group that is on time is it violating their rights if we have to stop the game evey time some one comes in? Thanks

[Diana 0]

Hi Margie -

Our complaints were on how many times someone can win Bingo. It used to be on whether they came in late, but I remedied that by not stopping the game at all. I have a handheld Bingo caller (from Avon, about $10) that enables me to walk around, set up a new contestant, and double checks people's cards as I am calling them out. It is SO MUCH BETTER than a cage with balls - I do not like those at all!!!!

 

If I know someone is running late, or simply chooses to come in half an hour in, then I go ahead and set their table up in anticipation of them arriving. I haven't heard complaints since.

 

Recently, the complaints were on how many times someone can win (since we all know there really are lucky cards out there) and unfortunatly, we had a family member that would come and play without the resident being there. The residents never voiced their complaint till this week, and that is when the blow out occured. Now the family member can not play Bingo, and it is all due to the new rules that Resident Council put together. It sounds so much better coming from RC!!!!!!

[lllucas 0]

Hi, Diana! :-)

 

Hey! Tell us more about your handheld Bingo caller and where we can get one. Sounds a lot easier than the traditional method of calling the game. We want details!

 

Thanks,

 

Linda Lucas, AD ;-)

http://theactivitydirectorsoffice.com

[Diana 0]

I believe I got it through Avon. One of my residents saw it and bought one for herself (she's now passed away), but before her death, I was able to get one, also. She just ordered it for me and I paid her.

 

Probably the best thing to do is ask an Avon distributor if they still carry them in stock. Let me know, too. Just incase this one bites the dust and I don't have a replacement!

[Pennie 26]

Hi,

don't you think we all have the sweetest res in the world until someone messes with their BINGO You can't stop res. from coming in the middle of the game but you should not stop in the middle of it to set them up. Wait til that game is over and then do it. If you have volunteers they can get the cards and chips for them, fo rthe next game. I know at one facility we had to use the dining room as our activity room. We were always in the middle of Bingo when the shift change took place. The time clock was outside of the dining room, which had no doors. Staff would walk through the game, talking, lauging and general just loud. This upset the res. to no end. I put up signs on every entyway into the dining room: Activities in progress QUIET PLEASE. It worked at first?! I spoke to the res. and we tried this, everytime someone walked through who was loud etc.. I stopped calling we all got very quiet and stared at the person(s). This usually worked but this was not the point to me. They had no right to do this to the res. and to me. Complaint were made thru the Res Council which went to the admin. and all dept heads. This was discussed in our staff meetings. The Admin, DON would come to the activity at this time and make their presence know to staff. Again it only worked temp. Guess who else saw the Res. Council mins? Yes state, get a deficiency for this and it really helps for a while. Of course when state was in the building noone ever can in talking or to res meds or to get them for their showers, go figure. I never found a permant cure but just kept at it for the res.

As far as the res. attitude in bingo, they got so hateful to each other, saying things that was uncalled for just basically rude and acting like children. I warned them at the end of the bingo games if this didn't stop bingo would be off the calendar. I did take it off for about 2 months. It cured them, if they started to get out of hand again I reminded them they would lose their bingo, and they knew I would do it.

As far as the number of times someone can win and about the family members winning (who should not even have to be told that it is for the res) you make the rules so make up a rule sheet and make sure all res. and family members get a copy. Then post it in places it will get noticed. This should include the staff break room.

I never knew you could cheat at bingo until I started working in this profession. :-o

Live and learn ;-)

[lllucas 0]

Hi, Pennie! :-D

 

RE: your post.

 

This sounds all too familiar, so it must be a characteristic of the aging process. I just wanted to add that the attitudes and disruptivenrss of the residents often change with turnover. That is, it always seems that at least one resident gets on everybody's nerves. When that resident cannot attend, or is no longer in the census, the whole atmosphere will change (for a while). Also, significant change in a resident (which happens often) will trigger outbursts, attitude change and social dysfunction problems.

 

I have also noticed that, sometines, long-time residents often tolerate the significant changes of another by saying something like, "Poor thing...she can't help it...she didn"t used to be that way." They show some tolerance. But many times relatively new residents, who don't have the familiarity with the changed resident, are intolerant and either complain or mistreat (verbaly and physically) the resident who has changed. I think the problem is pretty much unsolvable, but we must be aware of the pattern of aging in some people and prepare accordingly. Don't get discouraged. Don't blame the residents, blame the physical and mental deterioration that often occurs with aging.

 

Happy Bingoing,

 

Linda Lucas, AD ;-)

http://www.theactivitydirectorsoffice.

 

P.S.: Oh yeah, by the way, some people have always been "horses patoots" and will never change.

[Diana 0]

Just wanted to let everyone know that the responses I have had towards posting the Bingo rules (both in Spanish and English, due to living in San Antonio) have been phenominal! Such positive responses - even from the familiy member it effected the most.

Thanks for all the great input!

 

I recommend anyone who hasn't already posted the rules, or even established them yet, to do so and save yourself the trouble later!

 

Thanks again!

[CJackson 0]

Dear members :-D

I have a sister who is an Avon distributor, and she is checking into whether Avon still makes the handheld Bingo caller. Unless someone else already knows, i will keep everyone posted on it.

[Diana 0]

Thank you CJ!!!!!! Please, let us know! It is blue with options to mute, autocall and amount of numbers called out.

[lllucas 0]

RE: Talking Bingo from Avon

 

Hi, Everybody! :-D

 

I sent an e-mail to Avon asking about the talking Bingo thingy. Following is the response I received just this a.m.

 

Diana, does the Bingo unit have any manufacturer's name or markings that can be tracked down.?

 

Sincerely,

 

Linda Lucas, AD ;-)

http://www.theactivitydirectorsoffice.com

_______________________________________________________

 

Hello Linda,

 

I have received your message regarding Talking Bingo. My name is Fran,

and I'm happy to help you.

 

We're so sorry that this item was discontinued. We're also sorry to say

there's no excess inventory and there are no plans for a reintroduction.

 

We realize this isn't good news, but please know we'll tell the

marketing team how disappointed you are. And, keep in mind, sometimes,

if there are many, many requests for a product, it may be brought back.

 

I'm sorry we can't help you right now. But, please stay in touch. We

always want to hear your questions and thoughts. And, of course, we're

here with all the product information you need.

 

Sincerely,

Fran

Avon Information Center

 

 

 

Original Message Follows:

-------------------------

 

Customer Name : linda lucas

 

I am an Activity Director in a nursing home. Some time back Avon

offered an electronic bingo caller. Do you have them anymore? If not,

do you know the manufacturer and/or where I might find one?

[lllucas 0]

Hi, Everybody!!!! :-D

 

Thanks to Diana we found the Bingo Caller. Here's the info:

 

Excalibur Electronic Talking Bingo - Silver

 

The Bingo Hall Excitement at Home! Catch the excitement as the Talking Bingo calls out each number in a strong, clear voice. B9, G53....BINGO! You win! Small enough for ultra-portability, yet with a large LCD screen that is easy to read. The new Talking Bingo is great for family games night or for playing with all your friends. Comes with everything you need to play a fun game of Bingo.

 

* The Talking Bingo Electronic Unit

* 25 individual binog cards

* 1 six-card fold-out

* 100 number markers

* Requires 3 AAA Batteries (Not included)

 

Availability: This item takes 3-5 business days to leave the warehouse plus ship time.

EXC-450-Ppad $29.95padSale price: $24.95pad

Order Online 24 hours/day 7 days/week | Telephone Hours (EST):

Customer Service/Sales:

Mon-Fri: 9am-5pm, Sat/Sun closed

 

Have fun,

 

Linda Lucas, AD ;-)

http://www.theactivitydirectorsoffice.com

[BrendaJoho 0]

We have a younger group of residents that are under 55 years of age. We have a barriatric unit where residents have medical problems and they are morbidly obese. They are in the nursing home to lose weight. We also have residents that are under 55 that are in the facility just because of health problems. The problem has grown because of the number of younger residents. This group average age is 30 years old. In our 100 bed LTC facility approx. 17 residents are in this age group. They seem to be very opinionated, and take over at council meetings. They do have seperate activities, that they participate in, but are able to attend activities that are offered on the main activity calendar. My question is are we allowed to have two seperate resident councils. One for the 55 and under group and another, for those over 55. And can I legally keep them from coming to council meetings for the older groups. At this time we are having election of officers and it is usually the younger people who hold the offices.