Pasco and North Pinellas District-Wide Resident Council Meeting

Villas at Lakeside Oaks assisted with hosting the Pasco and North Pinellas district-wide resident council meeting on July 12. Over 26 residents representing 10 facilities benefited from hearing guest speaker, Nancy Adams of the Pinellas County Supervisor of Elections, discuss voting deadlines, mail-in ballots, and other election topics. Council members approved the previous meeting’s minutes as presented. Attending residents were also able to gain assistance with registering to vote and requesting mail-in ballots.



Ricky Melendez, Resident Council President



Resident Council President, Ricky Melendez, reported on the council's successful aluminum can fundraiser and donations to charities. Mr. Melendez also shared a scrapbook created by residents and encouraged other resident councils to get involved.    

                                           

Residents discussed the National Consumer Voice for Quality Long-Term Care Resident’s Voice Challenge topic “My Voice My Vote My Right”. Council members voted to submit their photo and responses to the challenge. Please see The Consumer Voice website for the published article. http://www.theconsumervoice.org/resident-voice-entries-2012#7



Council Member



Residents revisited the suggestion that facility staff coordinate sharing resident transportation in an effort to decrease cost and increase quality of life opportunities. Residents also discussed several issues concerning quality of life, voted to share meeting minutes with local legislators and the Governor, and discussed inviting them to the October meeting. Additionally, residents noted their success with Clearwater Center who has Internet access and a computer for resident use, providing a better quality of life.

Residents raised concerns about the following facility issues:

          ·   Residents who are “screamers” or who scream for no apparent reason causing disruptions. Suggestions included wearing headphones, letting the resident know you are there for them, and involving staff or other residents in helping the resident feel secure.

·   Living with residents who are hard to get along with. Suggestions  included increased activities, talking with staff, and avoiding those residents.

      

The meeting was adjourned and the council thanked Villas at Lakeside Oaks for hosting. The next meeting will be held on October 10, 2012 at Madison Point Rehab Center in New Port Richey.