Welcome from the Union Villa Family Council Chair
On behalf of the members of Family Council, welcome to Union Villa.
My Mom has been a resident of Union Villa since 2013 (Box Grove for a short time, and then Buttonville). Transitioning to long-term care from her own private home was challenging for her - and for the whole family. We were happy to find the Family Council, where we could share our questions, our concerns, and, in time, the knowledge that we have learned along the way. I became Chair of the Union Villa Family Council in June 2021 and am blessed to be in a role where I can advocate for the residents, support the families and caregivers, and partner with the Administrative team.
As caregivers, we must always focus on resident enjoyment, meaningful activity, functional competence within the limits of the person’s physical and cognitive capacities, dignity regardless of whether or not the person can perceive indignities, autonomy in making decisions and spiritual well-being. This approach can only happen when caregivers are involved, and when they work together for the greater community.
I urge you to consider joining the Family Council. There is no requirement to attend every meeting, although we would love to see you!
Please do not hesitate to reach out to me at UnionVillaFamilyCouncil@gmail.com .
Kimberly Chisholm, UVFC Chair
Join the Family Council
Family Council members give each other ongoing mutual support and encouragement. providing the home with a "united voice" supporting a "united effort" between Family Council and Union Villa to improve resident care.
UnionVillaFamilyCouncil@gmail.com
"I joined the Family Council to be a voice for my Mother, if and when she couldn’t advocate for herself. It is good to be part this friendly group who are in a similar situation." - Ruth B.
Next Meeting
The next meeting is Tuesday, May 7, 2024 at 7:30 pm.
Location: Union Villa Conference Room
Agenda: To follow
2024 Future Meetings
Tuesday, June 4th at 7:30 pm
Union Villa Conference Room
About Kimberly Chisholm, Union Villa Family Council Chair
Professionally, my background is in Risk Management, Medical Ethics and Patient Experience. I am a Qualified Mediator and have been working as a mediator for many years. I put my skills to action working as a Patient Experience Specialist at Lakeridge Health, supporting patients, families, and caregivers at our 5 hospital sites in accessing service or answers to their healthcare questions / concerns. Lakeridge Health was ordered by the Ministry of Health to provide support to two long-term care homes in Durham Region after major COVID outbreaks: Orchard Villa LTCH (168 COVID+ residents and 70 COVID+ deaths) and Sunnycrest LTCH (all but 1 resident was COVID +, 34 COVID-related deaths) and my team provided a link between the LTCHs and families. With this added experience, I am very well-educated on what aspects of service and care the LTCH controls, what falls to Public Health, and what falls under the Ministry of Long-Term Care purview.
Prior to working at Lakeridge Health, I worked for many years in a Patient Relations role at the CCAC/LHIN. I am adept at obtaining answers that I am seeking, as well as collaborating with our community partners. Since the LHIN (now Ontario Health) is a government agency, communicating with MPPs and effecting change is something that I am very accomplished at, and I am very well-versed in the Long Term Care Home Act, 2007, the Fixing Long-term Care Act, 2021, and other legislation that affects our residents.
I live and work in Durham Region and have always been very involved in community service.
Family Council Photo Gallery:
