Family Council Corner
The following is being provided by the Family Council of Stella Maris. We hope you find this information useful and that it will encourage you to become a participant in the Family Council.
What Is The Family Council?
The 1987 Nursing Home Reform Act guarantees the families and friends of nursing home residents a number of important rights to improve the facility services and conditions. The Family Council is a group of caring family members that partnership with the Administration to address issues on behalf of the residents.
For What Does The Law Provide?
- A resident’s family has the right to meet in the facility with other family members in the facility.
- The facility will provide a private meeting space for the Family Council.
- Administration and staff may only attend the meetings at the invitation of the Family Council.
- The facility will provide a designated staff person responsible for providing assistance and responding to written requests that result from group meetings.
- When a Family Council exists, the facility will listen to the views and act upon the grievances and recommendations of the Council where appropriate and reasonable.
What Is The Purpose Of A Family Council?
- To give family members a place to constructively express their concerns and ideas about the facility.
- To provide the opportunity to meet privately with other family members to discuss and consolidate common concerns, come up with ideas for how to address issues and focus on collective goals.
- To allow facility staff to address common resident issues in an orderly and effective manner.
Does Stella Maris Have A Family Council?
The Family Council of Stella Maris was re-organized at a meeting on April 16, 2007. The Council is managed by a Committee of Family Council Members. Currently, four family members have come forward to serve on the Committee.
If you have any questions or comments regarding the Family Council or are interested in participating either as a family member or a committee member, you may contact Lisa Stone 410-252-4500, x7234. You may also contact the Council directly and confidentially at:
When Does the Family Council Meet?
The Family Council meets the first Wednesday of the month at 6:30 p.m. in the Family Center on the first floor.
How Do I Access Information About The Family Council?
Stella Maris maintains a Family Council public correspondence file which includes minutes from the Family Council meetings, as well as any pertinent correspondence between the Family Council and the Administration of Stella Maris. This public file may be reviewed by a resident, prospective resident or the representative of either a resident or prospective resident during normal business hours. Please inquire at the Administration office if you are interested in accessing this information.
The local Ombudsman is:
Debbie Nasdor
Baltimore County Department of Aging
611 Central Avenue
Towson, MD 21204
410-887-4200
Here Are Some Useful And Informative Websites:
Advancing Excellence in America’s Nursing Homes: nhqualitycampaign.org
National Citizens’ Coalition for Nursing Home Reform: nccnhr.org
Baltimore County Department of Aging (Ombudsmen): co.md.us/agencies/aging/housing/ombudsman.html
Our first Family Council meeting was held on May 1, 2007 and the response was very positive. We are looking forward to working in Partnership with the Administration to resolve the common issues and concerns to the benefit of all the residents of Stella Maris.
Submitted by:
Joan Trush
Lead Committee Member