Once a month at Christian Health Care Center in Lynden, a small group gathers in the activity room to discuss how life is going for the center’s long-term residents.
They discuss everything of importance to them, from the quality of the food in the dining room to privacy concerns.
Resident council members are an important part of life at the skilled nursing center. Topics brought up by the resident council can be complex, and CHCC holds the residents’ input in the highest regard. The essence of the council is residents representing themselves and making space for discussions.
At each meeting, individuals who are receiving long-term care at CHCC have time in private, without staff present, to discuss any issues and concerns they might have. Then, during a portion of each meeting when department heads are present, the council can discuss matters directly with them.
CHCC department heads work hard to find answers to issues raised at the meetings; typically they’ll provide an update or response at the next meeting.
Resident council meetings are run by members of a resident leadership team, who are voted on by other individuals who live full-time at CHCC. Officers are the president and board advisors. All residents are invited to each meeting, as are the heads of the dietary, environmental services, administrative, social services and therapeutic recreation departments. Meetings typically consist of updates from each of the department heads on various projects and changes, such as new staff, new policies, new menu items, new activities and so on.
Over the years, the council has discussed dietary options on the menu that brought about change. Some residents requested more mentally stimulating games, such as Jeopardy, Wheel of Fortune, trivia and brain teasers. In response, CHCC added those games to its monthly activity schedule.
Other conversations at council meetings have included availability of TV channels, phone services and privacy questions.
This type of communication is just one more way that CHCC works to provide compassionate care in a loving environment for those they serve.
To learn more about Christian Health Care Center or to inquire about admissions, contact 360-354-4434.
[ Editor’s note: This article was updated June 25, 2024, to better reflect current programs. ]