Advocacy Programs at Copernicus Lodge

Copernicus Lodge promotes the philosophy of care in its standards and practices that all residents are treated with dignity, respect and courtesy and have a right to know and participate fully in their own care and in the operation of our home. Residents, Tenants and Families have a right to express concerns within our home without the fear of reprisal.  The Lodge views, most seriously, any type of abuse (including reprisal) of a resident, tenant, family, substitute decision-maker, management, staff, volunteer, visitor or any other persons at Copernicus Lodge and maintains a Zero Tolerance for any type of abuse.

We are here to:

• Answer any questions or concerns residents or family may have
• Empower and engage families and residents in dialogue
• Encourage resident/family input to aid staff in problem solving and finding solutions
• Provide support to residents and families around issues and concerns at the Lodge and beyond, in the community

To ensure this happens, we provide the following advocacy opportunities for families and residents to participate in the decision-making process at Copernicus Lodge:

• Residents' Council Meetings (held quarterly)
• Family Council (held quarterly)
• Family Drop In Sessions
• Food Review Committee (held semi-annually)
• Annual Resident/Family Satisfaction Surveys organized by the Total Quality Management Committee.
• A suggestion box located at the main entrance. Forms are available at Reception for any complaints or suggestions.
• Copernicus Lodge’s formal complaint procedure (posted on the Resident/Family Information board).
• Resident Care Conferences for each resident (held six weeks after admission and annually thereafter).
• Resident Home Area (RHA) Meetings (held quarterly on each RHA)
• Resident Bill of Rights (posted on the Resident/Family Information board)

If after using the above programs, residents/families remain unsatisfied with the outcome of any of their concerns, there is a Ministry of Health hotline that can be called 24 hours a day/7 days a week (1-866-534-0144).

This number is posted on the Resident/Family Information Board.

Residents' Council

At Copernicus Lodge the Residents’ Council provides a voice for the Residents of the Home to enhance the services and life at the Home and offer a mechanism to bring forth suggestions and feedback.
All Residents of Copernicus Lodge Long Term Care Home are entitled to be members of Residents’ Council.

Residents’ Council Members:

• Actively participate in development of choices regarding activities, food, living arrangements, personal care and other aspects of resident life at the Home
• May, as requested, serve as an advocate in resolving grievances and ensuring resident rights are observed while living at the Home
• Organize fundraising events

Residents’ Council actively participates in the development of choices such as activities, food, living arrangements, personal care and other aspects of resident life. Feedback from the Council helps Copernicus Lodge’s long-term care teams evaluate and change their services and programs to better suit residents’ needs.

Additional Council Resources:

RESIDENTS COUNCIL BROCHURE ENGLISH.pdf

Ontario Association of Residents’ Council

For more information please see the Resident Council board located near the main floor long term care side elevators or contact the Copernicus Lodge Social Worker.

Family Council

The Family Council provides a mechanism by which family members, friends, next of kin or Power of Attorneys of our long term care residents may have an organized voice in the decisions affecting the resident’s rights, living conditions and lifestyle while living at Copernicus Lodge.

Family Council provides a forum for family members and friends of Copernicus Lodge’s Long Term Care residents to provide support, share experiences and seek solutions to common concerns.

The Family Council also exists to identify areas needed for improvement and to recommend strategies for advances regarding the care and services that are provided to the long term care residents.

Membership:

Only Family members, friends, next of kin or power of attorneys of our residents of Copernicus Lodge Long Term Care Home can be members of the Family Council.

Office Space for Family and Resident Council

Copernicus Lodge provides office space to be used by Council members if desired and is located on the ground floor. All meeting minutes are posted on the Resident Home Area boards and the Resident and Family Board located in the LINK of the Home. A Resident Council and Family Council board is also located by the elevators on the main floor with upcoming meeting and event information.

Additional Council Resources:

FAMILY COUNCIL BROCHURE ENGLISH.pdf

 Ontario Family Council’s Program

For more information please see the Family Council board located near the main floor long term care side elevators or contact the Copernicus Lodge Social Worker.

Social Work Services