Judy Thorp is one of the only two family members currently on the council. For the past six months she has been sending out a monthly newsletter to family members letting them know about the group and how they can get involved.

"I haven’t had a phone call yet," Judy tells the OMNIway in a telephone interview.

Judy suspects there could be several reasons for the lack of interest in the group. Younger family members who might be interested just don’t have the time to get involved. Older people may be held back by health concerns.

However, she believes the main reason people aren’t stepping forward, however, is simply because they see no need for it. "The bottom line is that people are quite satisfied wth the way things are running here," she says. "I suppose if they were quite dissatisfied they might be more vocal."

In an earlier interview, Judy told the OMNIway that while some homes may need a watchdog advocacy group to protect the interests of residents, this is not the case at West Lake. "Most of the families here are content with the way the home operates and the vast majority of staff put in more effort than the job descriptions call for," she said.

While the home does not need a watchdog advocacy group, Judy believes family members can always help make the lives of the residents a little fuller by volunteering at the home. In her opinion, this should be the main purpose of a family group. "Our main goal should be to do whatever we can to assist the residents."

For instance, she helps provide transportation when the residents go on outings. She also ensures the books and movies from the local public library are in good supply at the home. Judy is also available to do mending and sewing for residents. She says she will continue to send out newsletters in the hopes of catching the interest of family members who want to be part of a group which focuses on similar activities.

For more about Judy’s thoughts on family councils, see Mandated family councils ‘not a good idea,’ says West Lake council member, May 28.