Family & Resident Councils are an effective way to address issues in nursing homes that are important to residents and families. State and federal laws require every nursing home to have a Resident Council. Federal law protects the right to form a council and to run it independently of the facility. Regulations require the facility to give weight and consideration to all family council recommendations.  The facility must provide families with a space for meetings.

The information in the Resident & Family Council Toolkit developed by the Office of the State Long-Term Care Ombudsman will help families walk through the process.

In Southwest Ohio you can also contact the long-term care ombudsman office at Pro Seniors for direct assistance at 513-458-5518.