Proposal for the Creation of a Family Council at The Ghaza’s Retirement Home

Abstract

Background: Long-term care facilities frequently encounter challenges related to communication and collaboration between staff and families of residents. At Ghaza’s Retainment Home in Bichi, Kano State, Nigeria, this gap has contributed to reduced family engagement and unmet expectations regarding resident care. To address these issues, a Family Council is proposed as a structured platform for families to actively participate in decision-making, provide feedback, and support resident well-being through collaborative initiatives and open dialogue with facility staff.

Methods and Materials: The project adopted a qualitative, participatory action approach. It included a comprehensive literature review on family councils and family engagement in eldercare settings. Primary data collection involved surveys and structured interviews with family members and facility staff to assess needs and expectations. Organizational tools such as meeting agendas, roles (e.g., chairperson, secretary), and operational guidelines were developed to ensure Council effectiveness. Regular council meetings, feedback forms, and newsletters were planned to maintain engagement and measure outcomes. Research also incorporated culturally relevant practices suited to the Nigerian healthcare and community context.

Results: The initiative successfully outlined the framework for establishing a Family Council at Ghaza’s Retainment Home, with strong initial support from management and families. Key outcomes include improved communication channels, structured meeting plans, and identification of resident care areas needing attention. Families expressed enthusiasm for participating in care-related decisions, and staff welcomed the opportunity to receive direct feedback. Plans for ongoing meetings, event planning, and documentation practices have been established, setting the stage for sustainable operation and replication.

Conclusion: Creating a Family Council at Ghaza’s Retainment Home has the potential to transform family-facility relationships by fostering trust, transparency, and collaborative care. The structured involvement of families will enhance the emotional and physical well-being of residents and strengthen community ties. This model not only addresses current challenges within the facility but also provides a replicable framework for other long-term care institutions aiming to improve care quality through family engagement.