ESTABLISHING A FAMILY COUNCIL AT NIRMALYA SENIOR LIVING: A QUALITY IMPROVEMENT INITIATIVE TO ENHANCE RESIDENT CENTERED CARE AND FAMILY ENGAGEMENT IN PUNE, INDIA

Abstract

Background: Family engagement is a critical component of resident-centered care in long-term care facilities, contributing to improved quality of life, satisfaction, and communication between families and care providers. In India, where institutional elder care is expanding due to demographic and social changes, formal mechanisms for family participation remain limited. This project aimed to establish the inaugural Family Council at Nirmalya Senior Living in Pune, Maharashtra, to strengthen collaboration between families, residents, and facility leadership.

Methods and Material: A quality improvement approach was employed, incorporating literature review, stakeholder consultations, expert interviews, document analysis, and family engagement strategies. Key activities included securing administrative approval, developing council resources and operational guidelines, recruiting family representatives, facilitating the inaugural council meeting, and evaluating participant experiences through post-meeting surveys. The project was guided by principles of resident-centered care, family engagement, and participatory decision-making.

Results: The initiative successfully established a structured framework for family participation within the facility. The inaugural Family Council provided a formal platform for communication, collaborative problem-solving, and quality improvement discussions. Project deliverables included a Family Council handbook, meeting procedures, communication protocols, recruitment materials, and evaluation tools. Feedback mechanisms enabled identification of priority concerns and facilitated constructive dialogue between families and facility leadership. The project also created a sustainable model that can be replicated across other elder care facilities within the organization.

Conclusion: Establishing a Family Council is a feasible and practical strategy for enhancing family engagement and promoting resident-centered care in Indian long-term care settings. By fostering transparency, trust, and collaboration, Family Councils can improve communication, strengthen care quality, and support the well-being of residents, families, and staff. Wider adoption of similar participatory models may contribute to improving elder care standards across India.