Idlewyld Manor is committed to continuous improvement of the quality of our services and programs. We believe it is vital to hear the residents’ opinions and to involve them in the planning and evaluation of changes and improvements to our home. Residents and their families have several avenues for participation.

Resident Council

Idlewyld Manor has an established and active Resident’s Council. Residents are encouraged to participate in Council activities. Other individuals from the community may attend meetings by invitation of the Resident Council. Idlewyld provides a comfortable meeting room and seating for all Resident Council meetings.

The purpose of the Council is to promote good relations and fellowship among the residents of the Manor, to cooperate in arranging programs, and to provide liaison between the Council and the Leadership of the Manor.

Residents will, using minutes posted on the Resident Home Area information bulletin board, be informed of the results of Resident Council monthly meetings along with feedback where requested, from the Administrator or designate.

Resident speaking at resident council meeting

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Our Family Council provides an opportunity for families and friends of residents to be involved in the care of their loved ones at Idlewyld Manor. Our main purpose is to be a partner in helping to improve the quality of life of residents and to give their families a voice in decisions that affect them and their loved ones.

Our Family Council Provides:

  • Support for families
  • Learning and information
  • Discussion and action on concerns
  • Communication with the Home leadership, and families and friends of loved ones
  • Support for special activities and events for residents

For more information, please contact a member of the Family Council Executive.  Names and contact information for the Chair Person and the Secretary can be found on the Family Council bulletin board located across from the cafe, near the lobby.

Group photo or Idlewyld Family Council

Communicating

Mentoring & Supporting

Learning

Caring

Communication is Key

A Family Council can make a difference in the quality of life of every resident. We are advocates for quality care, a safe home environment, and the general well-being of residents. We act as a sounding board for new ideas and support partnership in resident care.

One-on-One Mentoring

Our main purpose is to be a partner in helping to improve the quality of life of residents and to give their families a voice in decisions that affect them and their loved ones.

If you need someone to talk to, one of our experienced family council members will sit down with you, one-to-one and talk things through. You are not alone. We will be pleased to share our experiences with you and help guide you if you need to access personnel, services or research that might be of help.

Families Helping Families

Our Family Council provides an opportunity for families and friends of residents to be involved in the care of their loved ones at Idlewyld Manor. Our main purpose is to be a partner in helping to improve the quality of life of residents and to give their families a voice in decisions that affect them and their loved ones.

  • Support for families
  • Learning and information
  • Discussion and action on concerns
  • Communication with the Home leadership, and families and friends of loved ones
  • Support for special activities and events for residents

For more information, please contact a member of the Family Council.  A list of the Council Members is found on the Family Council bulletin board located across from the cafe, near the lobby or e-mail

Be Involved

Our Family Council provides an opportunity for families and friends of residents to be involved in the care of their loved ones.

What has Family Council Achieved?

  • Support for all residents and families
  • Advocacy for new initiatives
  • Annual Bake Sales to raise funds for much needed items
  • Upkeep and fundraising for beautiful gardens within and surrounding the home

Family Council Meeting Minutes

Idlewyld Manor Family Council Meeting

APPROVED MINUTES

Date: Tuesday, June 9, 2026
Time: 6:30 pm
Location: Mohawk Room and via Zoom

PRESENT: Barb Vacon, Cindy Allen, Margaret Figliola, Maryke Sluis, Christina Sluis, Jack Graham, Elaine Armstrong, Karen Vandermeulen, Laura Buote, Rose Linton, Ann Bennett, Mary Newman, Vinzi Calder, Christy Bradbury

1. CALL TO ORDER: 6:30 pm

2. GUEST SPEAKER: Angela Patel (Idlewyld Food Service Manager)

Summary of Discussion:

  1. amount allotted to feed one resident is $13.57 (includes 3 meals, snacks)
  2. second portions are available based on both quantity available and specific food restrictions of each resident
  3. PSW's can check on system what each resident is being served and the information is based on the choice made by the resident (photo options) as recorded by the PSW charged with that duty pre-meals
  4. food service workers also know who eats what
  5. the menu is rotated on a 3 week cycle within designated periods (Spring/Summer: June-September; Fall/Winter: October – May)
  6. Dietary restrictions are recorded in the Resident's Profile in the system with a paper backup accessible in a Binder
    • there was a question as to whether or not any changes are highlighted, should they occur –
    • Follow up: Angela will confirm that information
    • residents with Diabetes have that noted in their profile and the Dietician decides if/when any intervention is required in regards to serving the resident sweets
  7. Sysco and Gordon are the names of the suppliers and Idlewyld is pleased with the variety of options they have and no change is being considered at this time
  8. Food Services save costs in the following ways:
    • 1st choice on menu is a higher cost, 2nd choice is more cost effective
    • they do a considerable amount of in-house cost cutting (example: they batter and fry the fish)
  9. FUN FACT: Fish and Chips is the favourite meal of the residents!
  10. The Food Program will continue to check in with residents' food preferences/wishes
    • examples offered: taste testing new menu items and offering feedback
      • meeting with 10-15 residents once monthly to survey their satisfaction with the current menu
  11. When questioned if anything new was planned, Angela noted the following:
    • They now meet weekly instead of monthly to assess the menu
    • They are in the process of monitoring food temperature as it has been flagged as an issue
  12. If anyone has a concern/feedback about a resident's nutrition plan and/or experience, Angela invites them to speak to her directly or email/phone
  13. As Food Service Manger, the cook, dietician and food staff report to Angela. If ever a complaint is received about a specific product, for example, sausage, a sampling would occur to determine if a better product is available
  14. Meal tickets are available to people who would like to dine with their loved ones
    • meal tickets are $8 and 24 hours notice is requested
    • meal tickets can be purchased at the Reception Window
    • It was suggested that a notice be placed in the Newsletter when festive meals are planned so that people can buy tickets well in advance
  15. Angela has been in her position as Food Service Manager for 2 months and is very happy at Idlewyld
Item Motion Moved By Seconded By Carried/Failed
3 Adoption of Agenda Cindy Christy Motion Carried
4 Approval of Minutes Mary Vinzi Motion Carried
5 Treasurer's Report Christina Christy Motion Carried

6. TELL ME SOMETHING GOOD

  • Barb: Trishaw rides started up again
  • Laura: reported using $100 of leftover funds from our Activity Budget to purchase 75 Bingo Cards to put into circulation
  • Ann: noted that she saw Karen's purchases being used by residents
  • Maryke: noted a visible increase in PSW participation when she makes music with the residents during her visits with her Mum
  • Christy: shared that a resident said in reference to the Family Council "we love you because you give us treats at Christmas"

7. ROUND TABLE DISCUSSION

  • Karen: raised a question about booking the Family Dining Room on the First Floor, wondering if it is available at all times
  • Family members would like to book it for a visit but after two days there has been no reply from Idlewyld
  • Follow up: Barb to speak to Management about availability

8. CHAIR'S REMARKS

8.1 Management Update – no news to report

9. ONGOING BUSINESS:

9.1 Volunteering Update

  • Barb is still in communication with Angela from Thrive
  • as it stands, volunteers must fill out an application and follow all Ministry guidelines in order to be approved
  • anyone who would like to be compensated for entertainment must talk with Brad

9.2 Resident Activity Initiative

  • all items have arrived and next steps involve Barb and Laura working with rec staff in each home to clean up, throw out items in the next two weeks
  • Laura received Brad's consent to purchase similar products to the ones in the catalogue from Amazon
  • Brad will announce the initiative in next month's newsletter
  • Laura purchased pencil crayons and Barb will purchase playing cards
  • Laura will suggest to the rec staff to introduce the activity carts and new materials to the residents once they are organized and ready to go
  • Christina suggested stacking storage racks for colouring pages
  • Barb to check with Management re: Family Council posting a sign indicating that it is responsible for the new Activity Centres
  • There is potential for donations from Walmart, Staples etc.
  • Follow up: Ann to forward what a donation letter looks like
  • Follow up: Barb to discuss with Management about using this letter

9.3 Ice Cream Social

  • The Ice Cream Social is scheduled for Saturday July 18th at 1:30-3:30pm
  • Janice and Peter will entertain in the Celebration Room
  • 7 Volunteers for the social were confirmed at the meeting to arrive one hour in advance for set up and distribution of tasks
  • Chocolate and vanilla ice cream; chocolate, caramel and strawberry topping; sprinkles; whipped cream confirmed for serving
  • 1 rec staff to approve/disprove dietary needs
    • Follow up: Barb to check on who that will be
  • Barb motioned, Maryke seconded, that the budget for the ice cream social be $1000 – motion passed

9.4 Entertainment Update

  • As there are not enough staff to take residents to the Celebration Room, Mary proposed that Travelling Entertainers visit 2 homes at a time, potentially on Fridays
  • only a registered volunteer or staff member is allowed to move a resident
  • if a loved one is missing an activity, speak to a PSW, charge nurse or Brad

9.5 Quality Council

  • all areas in good shape
  • No outbreaks
  • Idlewyld is in the process of digitizing the pharmacy

10. NEW BUSINESS

A motion was made cancel the July and August meetings by Mary, seconded by Vinzi. Motion passed.

11. REPORTS

11.1 Treasurer's Report was reviewed and approved

12. ADJOURNMENT: The meeting was adjourned at 8:06 pm. Motion by Cindy and seconded by Christina

Next meeting:

Date: Tuesday, September 8th 6:30 pm
Place: In person @ Mohawk Room or via Zoom

Quality Council

Our commitment to quality is at the heart of everything we do. We are dedicated to upholding the highest standards of excellence by continuously improving our processes, investing in our team, and prioritizing the needs of those we serve. By focusing on safety, reliability, and continuous innovation, we strive to exceed expectations and deliver exceptional results that build lasting trust.
Explore our Commitment to Quality

Contact Family Council

At Family Council meetings we help each other, through staff representatives, to understand the long-term care, the roles, and responsibilities of staff members, and the day to day challenges at our Home. If you would like more information or would like to speak with one of our Family Council Representatives, please fill out the following form.

Your Family Council hosts “Take a Break” education sessions on long-term care, roles, and responsibilities of staff, and day-to-day challenges in our home.

  • Why should I attend a Council Meeting?
    • To meet leadership staff
    • To learn more about plans, projects, and programs
    • To give feedback and share concerns
    • To ask questions and get answers
    • To support others and to be supported
  • Code of conduct – Family Council will:
    • Respect all opinions and voices
    • Uphold the goals of tolerance and understanding
    • Listen respectfully and allow all voices to be heard
    • Keep in mind the goals of our Family Council at all times